Daly’s cart request denied, will nonetheless play Open

John Daly’s request to make use of a golf cart at The Open has been turned down by the R&A, however the 1995 champion mentioned he’ll nonetheless compete at Royal Portrush when the match begins July 18.

“Fairly upset they don’t see it the identical approach our PGA of America and PGA Tour sees it,” Daly, who claims he suffers from a incapacity that precludes him from strolling, mentioned on social media. “Totally different continents completely different legal guidelines???

“… White I belief the R&A’s resolution was made with good intentions, I couldn’t disagree extra with their conclusions.”

Daly on Saturday mentioned a physician confirmed he has bi-compartmental degenerative arthritis in his proper knee.

“Fingers crossed I could make it via the ache,” he mentioned in his submit.

Daly, 53, was permitted to make use of a cart on the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black in Could after he had utilized with the PGA of America to take action via the People with Disabilities Act. He didn’t make the lower in that occasion.

The 2-time main champion repeatedly performs the PGA Tour Champions, a 50-and-older circuit that permits for carts. He final performed a match and not using a cart final September on the Omega European Masters in Switzerland on the European Tour.

Whereas sympathetic, the R&A declined Daly’s request.

“Now we have fastidiously thought-about the request from John Daly to make use of a buggy at The Open,” it mentioned in an announcement Saturday. “We recognize the problem John is dealing with and have full sympathy for him as that is clearly a severe, long-term situation. Having thought-about the entire related elements, the Championship Committee has determined to say no his request.

“We imagine that strolling the course is an integral a part of the Championship and is central to the custom of hyperlinks golf which is synonymous with The Open. We should additionally be certain that, so far as doable, the problem is similar for all gamers within the area.”

The R&A additionally mentioned the terrain at Royal Portrush “will not be suited to buggies” and is not permitted by the membership.

“This isn’t a choice we have now taken flippantly however we imagine it’s the proper one for The Open,” the R&A mentioned. “John has a particular place in our hearts as a Champion Golfer and he’ll at all times be welcome on the Championship each at Royal Portrush and in future.”

In 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court docket guidelines in favor of Casey Martin, who had sued the PGA Tour for the suitable to make use of a cart resulting from a delivery defect that was thought-about a incapacity beneath the People With Disabilities Act.

Different golf organizations honored the ruling in Martin’s case. However the ruling was slim and different golfers who’ve utilized for a golf cart have wanted to indicate medical causes.

Not everybody agree with the PGA resolution in Could.

“It is a larger golf course, there’s a variety of property,” Tiger Woods mentioned of Bethpage Black. “There’s positively going to be a element to stamina because the week goes on, 4 days over a troublesome championship that’s mentally and bodily taxing takes its toll.

“So far as JD taking a cart? Properly,” Tiger continued with a smile. “I walked with a damaged leg, so …”

Woods was referring to his 2008 US Open victory.

ESPN’s Bob Harig contributed to this report.