ORLANDO, Fla. – Erik Compton recorded his second career top 10 on the PGA Tour and said this week’s performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational might have been his best ever.
Compton, a two-time heart transplant recipient, shot a final-round 69 to finish in a tie for fifth at Bay Hill. His only other top 10 in 93 career PGA Tour starts was a T-4 at last year’s Honda Classic.
When asked why he believes he has not factored more often in tournaments, he said: “Out of those 100 (events), I’ve probably played 20 where I felt strong. So, realistically, I can’t really beat myself up. I’m battling a lot of different things than most people who are playing.”
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Most notable is the surges of adrenaline that cause his hands to shake, particularly under pressure. He has been able to manage those sensations with maturity and medication, but says it’s a week-in, week-out battle.
“It’s hard to play with nerves with the heart that I have,” he said. “It’s not a matter of whether I have the skills. It’s been whether I can deal with it. I just don’t think it’s the same.”