Members of the Maine golf community are sympathetic to the plight of Casey Martin, but question whether the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Tuesday allowing the disabled golfer to use a riding cart on the PGA Tour was the correct one.

The Supreme Court, in a 7-2 vote, upheld a lower court ruling in favor of Martin, who suffers from a circulatory condition called Klippel-Trenauney-Weber Syndrome that makes walking difficult. The disease, which he was born with, is progressive.

Martin’s case was based on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which bans discrimination against the disabled in public accommodations, which includes golf courses. The law requires reasonable modifications for disabled people unless such changes would fundamentally alter the place or event.

“I’m happy for him, but I don’t agree with the ruling,” said Mark Plummer of Manchester, a former pro mini-tour competitor and now one of the state’s premier amateur players.

“I don’t think it passes the straight face test,” he added.

Brian Enman, the head professional at Bangor Municipal Golf Course, said, “The guy possesses the capability to play on the PGA Tour, but I think walking is also an integral part of the game.”

Plummer, 11-time winner of both the Maine Amateur and Paul Bunyan Amateur as well as a former champ of the New England Amateur, Greater Bangor Open, and Casco Bay Classic, has played in events that allowed carts and do not allow carts.

“The New England Open allows them, but I think it’s a pace of play issue,” said Plummer. “I wouldn’t want to take one; I wouldn’t take one.”

Plummer does use a caddie “when I can get someone to do it,” but he doesn’t put that on a par with using a cart.

“Carrying your bag, that’s the worst,” said Plummer, “using a caddie would be next, then riding in a cart.”

While Plummer prefers walking, he says it does take a toll.

“When you get to the 15th, 16th hole, the guy who is walking has less in the tank than the guy who is getting the breeze in his face,” he said.

Nancy DeFrancesco, executive director of the Maine State Golf Association, which runs the Maine Amateur and Maine Open championships as well as numerous other tournaments, said, “We do allow carts in all of our events.

“We believe in walking, but we’re not in the business of deciding who needs one.”

That could become a major sticking point.

“I think they’re opening a can of worms,” said Plummer. “Everybody else is going to want a cart now.”

He remembers when using a cart in MSGA championships was the exception rather than the rule.

“The Maine Amateur used to let guys take a cart with a doctor’s permit,” said Plummer.

He pointed out that soon a lot of people were showing up with a note from their doctor.

“Golf officials aren’t medical experts,” said Plummer.

“It’ll be interesting to see how many guys come out and want the exemption,” said Plummer. “There are some that will need it, and there are some that will be controversial.”

Plummer also believes that once the genie is out of the bottle, then it should be out for everyone.

“I think you almost have to say, if one person needs one, then everybody can have one,” Plummer said. “It’s not the best way, but it is the easiest.”

Enman, who is also tournament director for the GBO, which does allow carts for everyone, doesn’t approve of the way the Supreme Court is dictating the rules of competition.

“It’s good for [Martin],” said Enman, “but as a private organization, for the court to tell them what to do, I don’t think that’s right either.”

Plummer agrees.

“The PGA can’t make its own rules is what they’re saying,” said Plummer. “I think it’s going a step too far. It’s going to cause a lot of problems.”

More court action can be expected, according to Enman.

“I don’t think this is the end of it,” he said. “I think there’ll be another court battle with the USGA.”

Plummer cut through the arguments to get to the core for him.

“I don’t think it’s in the best interest of the game,” he said.

DeFrancesco said, “I think it’s hard not to take it personally one way or the other.”