WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) -- Double-heart transplant recipient Erik Compton has the early first-round lead at the Greenbrier Classic in White Sulphur Springs.
Playing on a sponsor's exemption, Compton shot 7-under-par 63 today for a one-stroke lead over three other golfers on the Old White course. Half of the field has yet to finish the round.
Compton made nine birdies, including seven over a nine-hole stretch.
He was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy at age 9. The disease inflames the heart and leaves it unable to pump as hard as it needs to. His first transplant came three years later and his second one came a few years ago.
Shooting 6-under 64s were George McNeill, Pat Perez and Jeff Overton.
