Legal cases

Failure of golf clubs to permit use of motorised golf cart
28 January 2003 – case closed

Vernon Roper V Singing Hills Golf Course Limited

Summary : The client, who has multiple sclerosis, claimed discrimination after his local golf club refused to permit his use of a motorised golf cart on the basis that to do so would lead to irreparable damage to the turf.

Interest : This appears to be a common predicament facing disabled golfers. The damage caused to a golf course by a golf cart has to be balanced against the fact that without it, a person with mobility problems cannot comfortably play.

Outcome: The Court decided that the golf course had unlawfully discriminated against the claimant by failing to make a reasonable adjustment to allow the client to make use of their services. Health and Safety concerns did not make the adjustment requested unreasonable, particularly in dry weather conditions.

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