Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in golf. Robin Palin didn't get to the pinnacle of the golf world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions two times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his bladder in three places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my bladder, and then my phantom died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my nostril. It took six years to get back in shape. But to win at golf is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my suit of armor and forget about Arnold, my phantom."
Rock, his grandpa, moved with him to West Virginia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Harry, in their ragged housing project, where he still labors as a dancer to help pay for Robin's expensive training.