Erik Compton

Background

Compton was born in Miami, Florida, to an American father and a Norwegian mother and holds dual citizenship.

Education

He attended the University of Georgia and played on the 2001 Palmer Cup and Walker Cup teams.

Career

He is noted for having had two heart transplants. When he was nine, Compton was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle is inflamed and unable to pump as hard as it should. This condition has resulted in him undergoing two successful heart transplants, the first being in 1992 when Compton was 12, and the second taking place in 2008.

He also gained recognition for his attempts to be allowed the use of a golf cart during qualifying rounds for Professional Golf Association Tour and Nationwide Tour events.

After graduating from the University of Georgia, Compton turned professional in 2001. He played on the Nationwide Tour in 2002 and again from 2005 to 2007.

His best finish was a T2 at the 2004 Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open. Compton played on the Canadian Tour in 2003 and 2004.

Compton has also played the mini-tours, winning a few events on the NGA Hooters Tour.

He played in thirty Professional Golf Association Tour events as a non-member from 2000 to 2011 through sponsor exemptions and qualifying, making the cut 18 times. His best Professional Golf Association Tour finish as a non-member was T25 in the 2011 Northern Trust Open. In 2010, Compton advanced to the Tour"s final round of qualifying school.

He finished tied for 100th, which granted him conditional Nationwide Tour status.

Compton finished 13th on the money list, good enough for a Professional Golf Association Tour Card for 2012. In 2012, Compton made 16 of 26 cuts on the Professional Golf Association Tour.

His best finish was T-13 at the John Deere Classic. He finished 163rd on the money list, failing to retain his tour card.

He returned to qualifying school and finished T-7 to regain his card for 2013.

In 2013, he recorded his first top-10 finish by placing T-4 at The Honda Classic in March. His best Professional Golf Association Tour finish is a T2 at the 2014 United States. Open, which earned him his first invitation to the Masters Tournament and the 2015 United States. Open. 2001 Monroe Invitational Nationwide Tour (1) Canadian Tour (3) Other (3) DNP = Did not play CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" = tied Yellow background for top-10.

Summary Amateur Palmer Cup: 2001 (winners) Walker Cup: 2001.

Achievements

• 2001 Monroe Invitational 2003 Michelin Guadalajara Classic 2004 East-Loan Central Valley Classic, Message Telecommunications Service Classic 2004 Hassan II Golf Trophy 2 wins on NGA Hooters Tour.