Casey Martin

Casey Martin is recognized in professional golf for his determination to compete at the highest level despite a debilitating physical condition, leading to a landmark legal case that influenced the relationship between disability rights and professional sports. Martin was born with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome, a congenital, degenerative circulatory disorder that affects his right leg, causing severe pain and atrophy and making walking for extended periods a significant risk.

A two-time All-American at Stanford University, Martin was a member of its NCAA Championship squad and received Academic All-America honors, graduating with a degree in economics. That championship team included Tiger Woods and Notah Begay III.

After turning professional, Martin won a Nike Tour event, the Lakeland Classic, in a playoff and achieved a career highlight by finishing tied for 23rd at the U.S. Open. With four top-10 finishes in his final nine events on the Buy.com Tour, Martin finished 14th on the money list, earning his PGA Tour card. During his full season on the PGA Tour, he played in 29 events, made 14 cuts, and finished as high as a tie for 17th at the Tucson Open.

Martin's most enduring impact came through the case PGA Tour, Inc. v. Martin, in which he sued the PGA Tour under the Americans with Disabilities Act, seeking the right to use a golf cart during competition. The Supreme Court ruled in Martin's favor, a decision significant for its interpretation of the ADA in professional sports and its emphasis on reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Martin later became head coach of the University of Oregon men's golf team in Eugene. Under his leadership, Oregon made multiple NCAA Championship appearances, won an NCAA title, and finished as runner-up in another championship. Martin is among the few to win NCAA championships as both a golfer and a coach. He has mentored players such as Wyndham Clark, a U.S. Open champion, and PGA Tour winner Aaron Wise. His coaching honors include Golfweek National Coach of the Year and multiple Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards. Martin returned to the U.S. Open after qualifying at Emerald Valley Golf Club in Oregon, narrowly missing the cut.