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John Daly blasts USGA after requesting to use a cart during U.S. Senior Open

Josh Peter, USA TODAY

(Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY)

John Daly, suffering from an injured right knee he said has made it too difficult to walk 18 holes of golf, said the United States Golf Association (USGA) has denied his request to use a cart during this week's U.S. Senior Open.


Daly said his attorneys told him he is eligible under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) to use a cart, but the USGA reviewed his medical records and said the injury isn’t severe enough for him to do so.

“I’ve been fighting this (injury) for so long and it’s my career they’re screwing around with here,’’ Daly, 52, told USA TODAY Sports Monday. “I’m pissed because I’ve been playing good golf and I want to play golf, that’s what I do for a living. But you know, you can’t walk 18 holes, you can’t walk 18 holes.’’

Consistent with ADA, the USGA said it reviews requests on a case-by-case basis and Daly's submission did not support a waiver of the walking condition.

"We offered Mr. Daly the opportunity to provide additional information to support his request for a cart,'' the USGA said in a statement. "He informed us this morning that he decided to withdraw."

One other player, Scott Verplank, requested use of a cart and the information he provided supported his request, the USGA said. Verplank is battling diabetes, and Daly cited Verplank's case when expressing his frustration at being denied.

“He can compete when he has a cart,'' Daly said. "But when you’re hurt like I am, and this falls under the umbrella of the ADA — no doubt, I’ve researched it a little bit and my lawyers have researched it — we’ve sent nice letters (to the USGA) but nobody seems to want to approve it.''

At this point, Daly said he has no plans to pursue the matter legally.

“I’m sure my lawyers want to, but I really don’t,’’ he said. “I don’t know what to do, honestly. Let me see what happens Friday.’’

On Friday, Daly plans to see orthopedic surgeon Mark Jacobs in Fayetteville, Ark., and have the loose cartilage cleaned out of his knee by arthoscopic surgery. He said it’s an outpatient procedure and the recovery is expected to take two days.

Powell did a similar procedure on the knee a few years ago, according to Daly, who said this fall he had two Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. All of his medical records related to the knee injury were submitted to the USGA, Daly said.

“Everybody’s seen all the MRI’s and all the deteroration of the cartilage and the USGA just said that their doctors said no. That was it,’’ Daly said. “So I just figure there’s no way I can walk right now. It’s just popping a lot, it’s just not getting any better.’’

Daly said the injury took a turn for the worse April 6, when in Augusta, Ga. during the week of the Masters his RV was hit by a car in a Hooter's parking lot. Daly said he tweaked his knee while trying to get out of harm’s way.

“My knee has never been the same,’’ he said.

Daly said he withdrew from three consecutive tournaments — Insperity Invitational, Regions Tradition and FedEx St. Jude Classic, a PGA Tour stop — because of the injury. This week's Open is being held at the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs.

Granted use of a cart last week on the PGA Tour Champions, Daly finished tied for seventh at 11-under par at the American Family Insurance Championship in Madison, Wis.

“It’s tough enough being in a golf cart trying to play,’’ he said. “But at least I can swing. It doesn’t swell up as bad because I’m not walking the whole course. …

“I’m playing great golf. It just sucks. Anybody that’s had osteoarthritis knows. … When you’re walking and (the knee) pops, then the swelling begins and it just doesn’t end. And then it just gets so sore I can’t load on it.’’

In 2018, Daly has earned $165,603 in eight official Champions Tour events. He said people have speculated that his being overweight is the reason he wants to use the cart.

“I want to walk,’’ he said. “Trust me, I’ve done it all my life. I feel like I play better golf walking.’’

He said he explored the possibility of knee replacement surgery and doctors told him it’s premature.