A free ride: USGA provides mobility scooters for spectators with disabilities at U.S. Open Championship

Mobility scooters – 176 of them — are lined up and ready to roll at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club every morning.

This mode of transportation is for spectators with a disability or hindrance such as an injured leg.

Riding the scooters is complimentary, courtesy of the United States Golf Association. On most days, the scooters can pretty much go wherever someone can walk on the course, said Cuppy Johndro of Wilmington, N.C., a staff member for Scootaround, the company that rents the scooters to USGA.

Some of the areas the scooters could reach were restricted Saturday after nearly 1 inch of rain fell and caused soggy conditions, Johndro said. The scooters were only permitted on paved paths.

USGA officials said it is important to offer a way for all spectators to be able to access the course.

“The USGA is committed to ensuring that all spectators have a positive experience at the U.S. Open Championship. To support this, we offer a variety of services — including scooters — for individuals with disabilities. It’s important that all our guests feel welcome and well cared for throughout their time at Oakmont Country Club.”

Pride manufactures the scooters, which weigh 200 pounds and can travel 5-7 miles per hour. They are available in two areas of the country club grounds.

Drivers, who must be at least 18 years old, reserve the scooter by leaving some form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

The maximum weight for a rider is 400 pounds.

When a person stops at the tent, Johndro explains how they work. There are two models — one has a higher back and longer seat.

The scooters, found inside one of two Mobility Scooters Tents at the country club, are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which makes sure there is access such as the scooters, ramps and parking.

Grandstands at the eighth and 18th holes have ramps and space for the scooters in the front row, as do the practice bleachers. The two merchandise tents are also accessible via ramps.

“This is really nice because I can’t walk the course like I used to,” said Chip Burgess, 80, of Lancaster, who was volunteering at one of the hospitality tents. “Riding the scooter to the 18th grandstand was a great view. That is the beauty of these scooters.”

Every scooter has a tiller, which includes a steering column and controls such as lights, the horn and the speed. Johndro was covering the tillers with plastic to keep them dry.

Guests may have a scooter all day.

Johndro said every scooter was out on the course during the opening round Thursday.

The tires on the scooters are solid so riders don’t have to worry about getting a flat. The scooters can also navigate some uneven terrain, Johndro said. The rain made conditions more challenging, so she was advising drivers to be cautious.

“I tell people when that they are out on the course, if something looks like a danger — it probably is,” Johndro said. “It’s like driving any vehicle. Pay attention to your surroundings.”