Imagine being handicapped.

Not being able to do the things that we all take for granted.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Alabama Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is offering special rates to paraplegics with special single-rider golf carts.

Free green fees at any of the trail's 26 courses!

Talk about a great deal considering green fees on the course range from $37 to $50 per round.

Finally, all golfers, no matter their physical abilities, can hit the links together.

Or so one would believe.

An article written about the controversial subject, said the offer, which was made by RSA Chief Executive Officer David Bronner, is being dismissed by Jerry Pope of Tuscaloosa, who in November filed a complaint with the Justice Department, alleging the trail is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The article also states that Pope, a former businessman disabled in a 1981 automobile accident, who filed the lawsuit, said he intends, with assistance from his paraplegic California lawyer, Rich Thesing, to continue to push the Justice Department to authorize a lawsuit against the RSA.

What was believed to upset Pope was that Bronner said he would make an exception for paraplegics with their special carts only if they followed two specific rules.

First, they must sign a waiver of liability, and second, they must agree to finish their round within four hours.

Broner's rules angered Pope, who said that state-owned courses have stubbornly refused to comply with requirements of the ADA by not furnishing two single-rider carts at each course.

What do you think?

Do you think Bronner is just trying to be a good businessman?

Or do you think Pope is overreacting?

Choose your sides because personally they both have good points.

Adam Prestridge is editor of The Luverne Journal. He can be reached at

335-3541 or

via email at adam.prestridge@ luvernejournal.com