Casey Martin Shows True Dedication Pays off with US Open Appearance

On Thursday, Casey Martin will appear at a major championship for just the second time in his career, and the first time since 1998.

Martin, 40, first qualified for the 1998 US Open, finishing in 23rd place. Since then, he's had an up-and-down journey, and is currently the coach of the University of Oregon's golf team.

In 2000, Martin finished 179th on the money list, failing to keep his card on the PGA Tour and being relegated to the Nike Tour. Due to a birth defect in his right leg, it was hard for him to walk the full 18 holes each day. The PGA Tour, however, wouldn't allow him to use a golf cart on the course because it went against its rules. The next year, Martin successfully sued the PGA Tour, claiming he had the right to use a golf cart in competition.

Martin continued to play on a limited basis in the Nike Tour, PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour up until 2006, when he was named the coach of Oregon's golf team.

This year, Martin decided to attempt to qualify for the US Open on a whim, and, to his astonishment, he actually made the cut.

Martin said, via CNN.com:

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"Leading up to that qualifier I was at the national championship with my guys, so I hit about 20 minutes worth of golf balls that week. It was kind of a random occurrence me getting in, but I'm glad I went through the qualifier and grateful I got hot at the right time and I get an experience like this as a reward."

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Now, after constant battles throughout the years, Martin will appear at the US Open for just the second time in his career at the Olympic Club, where the 1998 US Open also just happened to have been played.

Martin's story is a story of determination and shooting for the stars. It shows that no matter the struggles you've been through, you are never out of the picture. You always have a chance to continue to do what you love.

Martin, for whatever reason, felt compelled to try for the US Open this year. It led him to his first appearance at a major championship since 1998. It goes to show that you should always follow your dreams, no matter where you are in life.

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