The inaugural PGA Tour Courage Award was pretty much a no-brainer.
Erik Compton, a two-time heart transplant recipient who has carved out a career on the PGA Tour, received the award Wednesday, one day before the start of the Frys.com Open.
The PGA Tour Courage Award will be awarded to players who have overcome extraordinary adversity to make meaningful contributions to golf.
“It’s a very special moment for me,” said Compton, who has won seven times as a pro but has yet to break through on the PGA Tour.
“When (they called) and let me know that I was awarded the Courage Award, I actually walked around the block and had a moment to myself. I was very emotional.”
Compton was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy at the age of 9 and had his first heart transplant three years later in 1992. He had a heart attack in 2008 and required a second transplant.
His best finish on the PGA Tour is tie for fourth this year at the Honda Classic.
The PGA Tour Courage Award includes a $25,000 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice. Compton said the money will be split between the Cardiovascular Institute of Miami and the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation.
