The MGA will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, any request to use a cart in MGA Championships or qualifying rounds due to a claimed disability. In order for the MGA to evaluate properly such requests, it is necessary to submit medical documentation setting forth the exact nature of the disability and how that disability prevents such player from walking during a stipulated round. In addition, players will have to submit information sufficient to enable the MGA to determine that providing a cart would not provide a player with an advantage over other players. Each person seeking to use a golf cart due to a disability under the ADA must complete and submit to the MGA the following form: Golf Cart Request Due to Disability Questionnaire.
Please note that requests due to “temporary” injuries or impairments that do not qualify as a “disability” under the ADA will not be granted. A disability protected by the ADA is “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual.” 42 U.S.C.S. § 12102 (2001).
In each instance where an applicant is submitting a request for a golf cart, the relevant MGA Championship entry application and the golf cart request due to disability form (including the required medical documentation as specified on the golf cart request due to disability form) must be submitted to the MGA by the player (not a caddie or other party) together and in writing within three days of submission of the relevant MGA Championship entry application. All relevant materials must be Emailed Chris Gaffney at CGaffney@mgagolf.org.
The MGA will not evaluate requests submitted via telephone or by mail. Applicants seeking to use a golf cart in more than one MGA Championship during a given Championship season must submit each such request individually in writing within three days of submission of the relevant MGA Championship entry application. The MGA will evaluate the medical information previously submitted on the person’s behalf during the same Championship year, provided it is current as of the relevant submission and was otherwise submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined above.