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Two-Time Heart Transplant Recipient Erik Compton in Contention

By Tim Letcher

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 27: Erik Compton lines up his putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club on May 27, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 27: Erik Compton lines up his putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club on May 27, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Erik Compton is in contention this week at the 2021 Charles Schwab Challenge. But this challenge is nothing compared to what Compton has been through in his life.

At an early age, Compton was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, which causes an inflamed heart muscle. Due to his condition, he had to get a heart transplant at age 12.

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Compton would go on to become a very good golfer, eventually playing at the University of Georgia. After graduating, he played on the Nationwide Tour and the Canadian Tour professionally.

But in 2008, Compton experienced difficulties with his heart and was forced to undergo a second heart transplant. It was successful and he resumed his normal activities.

In 2010 and 2011, Compton played 30 events on the PGA Tour, mostly on sponsor exemptions. And in 2011, he finished 13th on the Nationwide Tour money list, earning his PGA Tour card.

After failing to keep his card in 2012, he went back to the PGA Tour qualifying school, where he finished seventh, earning his way back on tour. He finished 99th on the money list in 2013.

His best season on tour came in 2014 when he finished 64th on the FedEx Cup points list. He was also second in the U.S. Open that season.

Since then, Compton has struggled with his game, playing largely on the Korn Ferry Tour. He has one win on that tour in his career.

He’s in this week’s field on a sponsor’s exemption and is making the most of his chance.

Compton opened the week with a 5-under par 65 on Thursday. He followed that with a 2-under par 68 on Friday.

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On Saturday, he shot 1-under par on the front side and was 1-over par on his back nine. He’s at 7-under par through 54 holes and in a tie for sixth place, seven shots off the lead.

Win or lose, just playing this week is a victory for Compton after everything he has been through in his life.

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