Compton's talent finally makes headlines in Mexico

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Erik Compton won by two strokes in Mexico on Sunday.

There's no doubt that every one of the top 25 players on the Nationwide Tour money list at the end of the 2011 season will have an interesting story. But it's hard to imagine anything more compelling than the one that belongs to Erik Compton, a two-time heart transplant recipient who was all smiles on Sunday.

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That's because the 31-year-old Compton shot a final-round 65 to win the Mexico Open presented by Banamex by two strokes.

What made the victory so satisfying to Compton was where he was three years ago. He'd suffered a heart attack and was in need of another transplant. His situation was so dire, Compton used what little strength he had left to contact family and friends for what he feared would be one last time.

"I think about it every day," said Compton, who survived and has prospered since getting his second transplant. "I live with it every day and I thought I'd be more emotional during the victory. But I think why I played so well is that there really wasn't that many people who knew my story in Mexico so maybe there was less pressure."

Compton, who is now in Philadelphia where he will play in this week's AT&T National on a sponsor's invitation, has been on overdrive since Sunday. Even so, trying to answer all the e-mails and text messages hasn't been easy.

Compton got back to his hotel about 12:30 a.m. and had to get up three hours later so he could make his Monday morning flight back to the United States. But on his way to the airport Compton lost his wallet so he has had to spend time canceling credit cards and arranging to get a new driver's license. He also embarked on the interview circuit, starting with ESPN and eventually hitting the Golf Channel's Morning Drive on Tuesday.

"I'm trying to sort through the 300 or so e-mails and about 100 text messages," said Compton, whose Twitter account of about 1,000 followers continues to grow.

Among the interested observers on Sunday was noted instructor Jim McLean, who has known Compton for more than two decades and has coached him since he was 12 years old. McLean says that seeing what Compton has gone through with the two transplants is a lesson in perseverance.

"It was three years ago when he called me from the hospital and he was waiting for another transplant and he said he wasn't sure if he would make it," McLean said. "He pretty much was saying good-bye."

Fast forward to Sunday's victory and Compton, who at one time was the top-ranked junior in the country, was back in a place where he was comfortable. McLean admits that he doesn't have to work with Compton much these days, saying: "Erik's been swinging it very good so I leave him alone."

Compton's heart issues are so well-documented, his talent is sometimes overlooked.

McLean said Compton -- whom he once called an "indomitable spirit" -- has to fight though sluggishness because of the many medications he has to take. Then there's the traveling that can wear even the healthiest of people down, and as a pro golfer that's part of the weekly routine.

"He's done such a great job of keeping his stamina where it needs to be and I'm just amazed at how he doesn't complain about anything," McLean said.

As for Compton's future, he's already talking about winning at some point on the PGA TOUR. By winning on Sunday he moved to second on the Nationwide Tour money list and is virtually assured of finishing inside the top 25 to earn his 2012 TOUR card.

"It doesn't change me," Compton said about the victory, which was worth $126,000. "Just playing at a high level and knowing that I can do it is nice. I mean, the Nationwide Tour and the PGA TOUR -- the scoring is similar and you have to go low. Everything is more magnified on the PGA TOUR but I don't think next year I'll be shocked by being on the PGA TOUR full-time."

One thing that Compton is looking forward to, though, is getting credit for his golfing talent. He's heard the critics say he was getting more than his share of sponsor's exemptions on the PGA TOUR just because of his compelling story.

He doesn't have to worry about that anymore.

"I guess maybe I've silenced some critics, but I think the tournament directors and people have been so kind to me," Compton said. "So I guess I feel now that I've kind of earned it."

Compton is aware that everywhere he goes his story of survival will be his identity.

"There's no avoiding that I've had two heart transplants," Compton said. "I'm just trying to really enjoy the game and I really love the competition. I really get enjoyment out of hitting a golf ball."

Compton is also committed to helping others who face similar life-threatening physical challenges like the ones he did. "I'm involved with the transplant foundation (in Miami) and I do visit some hospitals when I'm on the road," Compton said. "It's hard to do all the time with how much we travel and play but I try to do that as much as I can."

With all the health issues he's faced throughout his life he realizes that Sunday's victory will bring him more attention.

"I think most important is that people who face adversity in life can kind of see their way through it," Compton said. "That's what it's all about."

John Dell has covered golf for the Winston-Salem Journal in North Carolina for the last 17 years. His views do not necessarily represent the views of the PGA TOUR. You can reach him at johndell@triad.rr.com.