During the PGA Championship at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Valhalla Golf Club, while many top golfers are struggling on foot, John Daly stands out by riding in a golf cart. Daly, known for his bold pants, uses the cart due to severe arthritis, which makes it painful for him to walk more than six holes. This allowance falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act and has been granted to Daly since the 2019 Bethpage Black tournament.
Daly expressed his concerns about fan reactions, acknowledging his knee problems and osteoarthritis: “My knee is messed up. I had the meniscus removed, and the arthritis is severe. Walking up hills is manageable, but going downhill is impossible. It’s embarrassing, especially since Florida gives me a handicap sticker. After six holes, my knee swells up, and I can’t continue.”
He became the first player to use a cart at a major since Casey Martin, who, due to Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome, needed a Supreme Court ruling to use a cart on tour. Although Daly’s cart use was approved by the PGA, it comes with conditions. For instance, players can’t have their bags on the cart, and caddies can’t drive it unless given permission by officials.
Back in 2019, Tiger Woods made a light-hearted comment about Daly’s cart use, highlighting the unique situation.
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