Compton given exemption into Disney event
By Associated Press
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Erik Compton, who advanced through the first stage of PGA Tour qualifying just five months after his second heart transplant, was given an exemption Tuesday to play the final Tour event of the year.
Compton, 28, received one of four sponsor exemptions to the Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Disney World on Nov. 6-9.
It will be his first PGA Tour event in three years.
Compton received his first heart transplant at age 12 and became one of the top junior golfers, competing in the Walker Cup in 2001. He had his second transplant in May, but recovered in time to play the first of three stages of Q-School. In yet another remarkable rally, he closed with a 4-under 68 to tie for 23rd and advance to the second stage next month.
PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw said Compton would be allowed to use a cart during the Disney event, as he did during qualifying school. He will be the first player to use a cart on the PGA Tour since Casey Martin.
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joesgoodputz on 11/02/2008, at 11:37 AM EST
“HELLO PEOPLE! This isn't the Open or the Masters. If sponsors give spots to lards like J.D. or M.W. they sure can give one spot to this guy. It will be his last time to play a tour event. After one year of Obama,Reid,and Pelosi ALL decent golfers are going to Europe and ALL sponsors are not going to have any profits for tournaments. We are going global baby.”