![]() Once he took to the course, he stayed similarly dialed in, so much so that a fan in the bleachers on the 18th tee shouted, "Smile, Erik!" as he walked past. I love my parents and I love all my friends, but you just don't want to hear about what's going on, because you need to get ready when you go play." "I try to avoid my parents during a major championship because it's a totally different mindset. "I just told her to get up and walk away," he said, laughing. That style was in evidence on Saturday right from the day's beginning, when his mother told him that other players were starting to post some high numbers. I guess that's kind of reflective of how I always lived my life." And sometimes I don't even know what hole I'm on, because I'm just trying to execute and then move to the next shot. "I'm extremely hard on myself, but I tend to forget the shots I hit bad and move to the next hole. ![]() Open style course because I don't ever give up," he said after the round. Open is one thing making it to Sunday with only one player ahead of you? That requires a whole extra level of talent, grace and luck for even the hyper-privileged golf types. Still, let's be honest here: Making it to the U.S. He kept his practice rounds at Pinehurst to nine holes each of the first three days. You can lose a lot of fluid out here."Ĭompton, who has in the past appealed to Tour officials to use a cart on the course, has to be somewhat more careful than the average golfer to avoid exhaustion and overexertion. He's an incredible player, and he's ready to take the step to the next level."Īs for special treatment on the course, his caddy Victor Billskoog says there's nothing too unique about Compton's situation now: "There's not much different. When asked if his condition is ever an issue, even as a topic of conversation, Compton's coach Charles DeLucca is emphatic: "Nah. It's a sentiment shared by those closest to him. I was just, for this tournament, enjoying focusing on my game." "This week, I have really been kind of under the radar and trying to focus on golf. "I plan weeks to share my story and visit hospitals," he said. Without in any way minimizing what his success means to others facing challenges, Compton concedes that he's just fine not bringing up the specifics of his life story at every tour stop. Open, where he missed the cut, and this one.Įach step along the path, the stories have run the same way: miracle heart-transplant recipient reaches milestone X. He's bounced back and forth between the PGA Tour and lesser tours, and has only played in two majors: the 2010 U.S. Then he played on half a dozen pro tours, winning the Mexican Open in 2011. First came his play at the University of Georgia, alma mater of eight players in this year's field. His story's a well-known one around golf types each mark he's hit has drawn him more attention. ![]() He scored par on only 8 of 18 holes, but finished the day well in the red. He started the day at even par, then began a colorful up-and-down round highlit by a four-birdies-in-five-holes sequence from 7 to 11. No disrespect to the relentless Kaymer, but Compton was the far more compelling story on Saturday. Open tied for second at minus-3, albeit five strokes behind leader Martin Kaymer. You think Sunday at a major is going to scare a guy who's been through that? He's had two heart transplants, his first coming when he was just 12, his second six years ago when he suffered a major heart attack and had to drive himself to the hospital to receive an emergency transplant. Open, a golfer who just happens to have an astonishing backstory.Ĭompton, age 34, is something of a medical miracle. He’s a golfer, first and foremost, a golfer tied for second at the U.S. He’s not a beacon of perseverance and grit, not a TV movie-in-the-making. PINEHURST, NC - Erik Compton is not a feel-good story to share on Facebook, though he’ll understand if you do.
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