by Jeff Skinner
All week we have been carrying on about the new and improved Pinehurst and how the top players in the world will adjust to the different kind of U.S. Open that they have been presented with.
Some haven’t received the new setup well and missed playing the weekend. Others, most notably Martin Kaymer who has a 5 stroke lead have adapted their games quite well.
But today wasn’t just about birdies (scarce) and bogeys (plentiful).
Erik Compton is one of those that have adapted well. And he has had a lot of experience at adapting. He currently is living with is third heart after receiving transplants on two separate occasions.
He has been one of the best stories, not just in golf but in all of sport the past few years as he lives out his dream of playing on the PGA Tour. Today was a big day for the 34 year old father of one.
Compton scratched out one of the best rounds of the day on a difficult day at Pinehurst. Compton and Rickie Fowler carded matching 67’s and were the only two players under par for the day. The two of them sit tied for second place behind Kaymer who is at -8.
This is only Compton’s second major championship. His first was at Pebble Beach in 2010 where he missed the cut. But he laughed when he said he needed some slack on that one. “You got to give me a break, I just had a new heart when I was at Pebble Beach. But I think I’ve had an excellent year this year and I feel really comfortable out on the golf course.” I guess we can cut him some slack for that one.
But here at Pinehurst there will be no slack, no excuses for Compton. And that’s just how he wants it.
Make no mistake, this U.S. Open isn’t over. No lead is really safe on a USGA setup. Compton is in this and tomorrow will be the biggest day of his professional life. And he is up for the challenge.
“It’s a great tournament and hopefully I have a great day tomorrow and you never know what can happen.”
“I think that my attitude suits a U.S. Open style course because I don’t ever give up. I’m extremely hard on myself, but I tend to forget the shots I hit bad and move to the next hole. And sometimes I don’t even know what hole I’m on, because I’m just trying to execute and then move to the next shot. I guess that’s kind of reflective of how I always lived my life. If you have a bad situation or a bad day, you get up and try to do it again. But when I am playing well, I don’t have a lot of curve on my golf ball. And if any, it’s moving a little bit left-to-right and I think a lot of the hole shapes out here suit my game.”
Compton is buoyed by the fact that the Greatest of All Time is on board with his game, “ I had lunch with Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield last week and he kind of winked at me and said, “Your game will suit Pinehurst.” So he had a smile on his face and it was kind of neat to — when I qualified, I let him know that I qualified.”
Compton isn’t without difficulties on the course. The heat can get to him at times and he paces himself early in the week limiting his practice round and activities. But he was fine today and will be ready tomorrow.
“I felt comfortable today. I think yesterday I was a little more not at ease. The heat was getting to me. But today I didn’t feel much adrenaline or pressure. I just kind of enjoyed the round. And even when things weren’t going well, I wasn’t getting over anxious. But, I mean, it is a Major and I know you guys put a lot of emphasis on people who don’t have experience. But I’ve been playing good golf for a long time, since I was a junior golfer, college golfer, and playing at other pro levels. And this year I’ve had a great year. We’re playing against the same guys. And I just try to hit fairways and greens. It shouldn’t feel any different than any other tournament. I have been through a lot in my life. And some — a lot more adrenaline pressure situations than hitting a tee shot on 18. Putting things in perspective may help me.”
Understanding priorities and perspective…I would say Mr. Compton has done that fairly well. And tomorrow he’ll have a chance to show everyone what it’s all about.
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