Three top golfers, perennial strong performers on the PGA TOUR, suddenly faced the prospect of losing what had taken years to build. Mediate couldn't lift his arms without pain. Azinger endured long days of chemotherapy-induced nausea. Glasson could only play with his small son for brief moments since he couldn't stand for more than 10 minutes at a time. Each man had to dig deep and draw on the same qualities that had helped him succeed at golf.
Professional athletes know how to bring their best to the table.
That ability helped them deal with their injuries. Once you decide that, you then have to figure out how to go about doing it. Mediate's physician explained that surgery could correct his back problem, but he offered no guarantee for a return to top-caliber golf. Mediate never allowed the risks to influence his decision. I wanted to compete with the guys so much.