Casey Martin is "fielding an avalanche of offers that
are extraordinary for a golfer who has not reached the top
level" of the PGA Tour, according to Thomas Heath of the
WASHINGTON POST. In addition to his Nike apparel deal,
worth between $50,000-$75,000 a year with additional income
if he earns his PGA Tour card, Martin has deals pending with
a national insurance group and a golf equipment
manufacturer. The two new sponsor deals will be announced
March 3, with a third new deal "imminent." Martin has also
received more than 20 requests to appear in corporate-
sponsored golf outings and PGA Tour tournaments across the
country. Martin: "If someone's willing to pay me to
represent them, I'm not going to turn them down. I'm a
little uncomfortable with the fact that it's done ...
because of my leg." NBC's "Dateline" will also feature
Martin shortly (WASHINGTON POST, 2/24). In GA, Witsil &
Cline reported that officials at E-Z-GO Textron, the
nation's largest golf cart maker, have held discussions with
Signature Sports Group, Martin's agency, about a possible
golf cart endorsement deal. An agreement could be "rendered
moot," however, if the PGA Tour decides Martin should ride
in a single person scooter (Augusta CHRONICLE, 2/22).
EXEMPTIONS: Martin writes in GOLF WORLD: "I have no
intention of pursuing any sponsors' exemptions on the PGA
Tour, at least not now" (GOLF WORLD, 2/2O). CNN/SI's Jaime
Diaz: "Until he knows his game can handle the pressure, it's
probably not worth the risk" ("Pro Golf Weekly," CNN, 2/21).
MORE CASEY: Jack Nicklaus, on the Martin ruling: "I'm
really worried about the long-term effects on the game of
golf. ... When you really get down to playing serious
tournament golf it's a whole different ballgame, and I know
the average person just doesn't understand it" ("Up Close,"
ESPN, 2/20). AD AGE's Rance Crain credits the PGA Tour for
"ignoring the obvious bonanza for itself and its corporate
sponsors that will come its way now that" Martin is allowed
to use a cart. The Tour, in "protecting the integrity of
the game, is determined to keep the likable" Martin out of
events "even though his presence will draw huge support for
golf." Crain: "Instead of deriding the PGA Tour for trying
to de-ride Mr. Martin, let's be thankful that there is one
group willing to spurn all the good feeling -- not to
mention corporate opportunity -- that will flow to golf
because of Mr. Martin's brave determination" (AD AGE, 2/23).
