Never give up. ©USGA/Hunter Martin.
After making a six-foot downhill par putt on the final hole to finish T2 at the 2014 U.S. Open, Erik Compton said, “You can’t ever give up. I mean, we all have adversity in our lives, some are different than others. Some are more major. The up-and-down I made on 18 is an example of never giving up. I hit the world’s worst shot into the green and then got up-and-down.”
Two-time major champion. ©USGA/John Mummert.
Martin Kaymer capped off his record-setting U.S. Open performance with a 10-footer for par to win the 114th edition by eight strokes over Erik Compton and Rickie Fowler. Kaymer is the seventh player in the history of the championship to go wire-to-wire, and his 271 (9-under) total score is second to Rory McIlroy’s 268 total score at the 2011 Open at Congressional.
Overcoming the odds. ©USGA/Darren Carroll.
Erik Compton’s story is one of the great ones in professional golf. He has undergone two heart transplants, with the most recent one occurring in 2008, and is in contention at the 114th U.S. Open. Compton’s third round 67 tied him with Rickie Fowler for second place, five strokes behind Martin Kaymer.
5 players waiting to playoff for 3 remaining spots
With darkness quickly settling in, the vigor had gone straight out of Erik Compton by the time the USGA officials announced the five-for-three (five players–Ryan Blaum, Ken Duke, Compton, Michael Putnam and Cameron Tringale) for three remaining spots) playoff at the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying in Columbus Monday evening.
“Really?” Compton said as he walked off the putting green at Brookside G&CC. “Right now? It’ll be dark by the time we get to the fairway.”
Compton
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem announced on Wednesday that two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton was awarded the first-ever PGA Tour Courage Award. Most of us are familiar with Compton’s inspiring story — the fact he’s alive, let alone playing professional golf at the highest level, is pretty incredible.
The Dong earns medalist honors
Today was the last round of the last ever Q-school under the system that was in place since 1965. Longtime readers know I’m a Q-school romantic and I love the incredible stories and range of emotions, along with the drama, and I’m not alone. I’ve done my best over the past few weeks to describe the atmosphere.
To be honest, second stage was much more excruciating — probably because there wasn’t any live-scoring but in general the vibe was much more intense. Getting through second is usually the hardest part for the guys who have never made it to finals, along with the mini-tour journeymen, not to mention the veterans who had a terrible season.
Kokrak: the next Dustin Johnson and/or Gary Woodland, et al.
To go from covering a 27-player limited field event in Kapalua to a 144-player full field event in Honolulu is similar to going from tending the bar at Fisher’s Island Golf Club to a club in Times Square on NYE — it’s a rather stark contrast. When I walked over to the practice area at Waialae Country Club on Wednesday, I felt like I’d just walked into a busy street in Manhattan after my quiet vacation in the country. Which isn’t a bad thing (though perhaps a little overwhelming at first). It was nice to be greeted by familiar faces and catch up with those I hadn’t seen since the playoffs and Fall Series.
Thanks for believing in me! I love you, man!
As 2011 has ended and the 2012 season officially starts tomorrow, we’re (still) taking an obligatory look at the winners and losers of 2011. First, we reviewed the best shots. Then, we cringed through the greatest meltdowns. We also checked out some players who were considered overachievers. Next, we took a gander at those who had the most disappointing seasons, along with the most notable Tiger moments.
To cap off a look back at an incredible 2011, we’ll go through some of the best feel-good stories — which is my personal favorite because believe it or not, I’m a huge sucker for sap (I just don’t like to admit to it usually). Here we go in no particular order…
Clear eyes, full hearts...can't lose
Two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton captured the Mexico Open for his first Nationwide Tour title, firing a final round 65 to win by two shots. Compton earned $126,000, which nearly guarantees that he will earn his PGA Tour card next year. He’s currently second on the Nationwide Tour money list.
As you’re probably well aware, Compton’s story is a rather inspiring one and now his victory adds a nice fairytale twist.
Erik Compton using his caddie as target practice
Erik Compton, who earned a spot at the Northern Trust Open in the Monday qualifier, posted eight birdies and a bogey to shoot seven-under 64 in the final round at Riviera and surge up the leaderboard to a T25 finish. The 64 was also the lowest of the week. Not bad considering this was Compton’s first tournament of the year. Perhaps his fine play was propelled by his practice sesh a day earlier, where he used his caddie as target practice.
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