Golfer Advances at Q-School after Second Heart Transplant

The first stage of PGA Tour Q-School is under way, with several first-stage qualifiers completed. And the story so far is all about Erik Compton.

In 1992, Compton, who was born with a heart defect, received a new heart in a transplant procedure. Nine years later, after an All-American collegiate career, he turned pro. Since then he has played mini-tours, on the Nationwide Tour, and in some PGA Tour events.

But following a heart attack last year, doctors said he needed another heart. His third. And that transplant took place a mere five months ago.

Yet on Friday, Compton overcame a 7-shot deficit in a first-stage qualifier in Key Biscayne, Fla., shooting 68 and finishing high enough to advance to the second stage of Q-School.

Said Compton:

“I'm jacked up. I’m excited. I’m almost in disbelief. Everybody counted me out, and I survived again."

It is a truly remarkable story.

There's nothing wrong with Ty Tryon's heart, and Tryon keeps battling and battling. But his game hasn't been the same since he qualified for the PGA Tour at the age of 17. And he didn't make it out of the first stage. Also playing in Key Biscayne, Tryon's total of 19-over included a round of 87.

In all, six first-stage qualifiers concluded on Friday. Here are the scoreboards for each:

• Key Biscayne, Fla.
• Jacksonville, Fla.
• Kingwood, Texas
• Florence, S.C.
• Dayton, Nev.
• Beaumont, Calif.

Another six first-stage qualifiers remain to be finished. Visit the PGA Tour's Q-School headquarters for dates and locations.

See also:

• List of PGA Tour Q-School medalists