Erik Compton

Erik Compton
Erik Compton | Source: Golf Digest
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Profile Summary: Erik Compton

Full Name: Erik Harald Høie Compton
Date of Birth: November 11, 1979
Age: 45 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, USA
Nationality: Norwegian-American
Ethnicity: Norwegian and English
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio ♏
Profession: Professional Golfer, Philanthropist


Early Life & Education

Erik Compton was born to an American father, Peter Compton, and a Norwegian mother. Diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy at just 9 years old, Erik’s early life was marked by health challenges. At age 12, he underwent his first heart transplant, and a second one followed in 2008.

Despite these challenges, Erik began playing golf at 12 and quickly rose to prominence, becoming the #1 junior golfer in the U.S. and the 1998 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year. He attended Miami Palmetto Senior High School and later graduated from the University of Georgia.


Career Highlights

Professional Debut: 2001
Erik began his professional golf career in 2001, competing on the Nationwide, Web.com, and Canadian Tours. In 2004, he won two events and secured the Order of Merit. His win at the Hassan II Golf Trophy in Morocco in 2005 further cemented his reputation.

After recovering from his second heart transplant in 2008, Erik made an inspiring return to golf. By 2011, he earned his PGA TOUR card and played full-time from 2012. He has competed in over 140 PGA TOUR events, with 83 cuts made, 15 top-25 finishes, and a runner-up spot at the 2014 U.S. Open.

Despite setbacks in 2016, he transitioned to the Korn Ferry Tour, continuing his professional journey with determination.


Personal Life & Relationships

Erik was previously married to Barbara Casco Compton. The couple met when Erik was 28 and Barbara was 22, marrying on August 10, 2008, in Palmetto Bay, Florida. They share a daughter, Petra Compton, born in 2009. After nearly a decade together, the couple divorced in 2017.


The Erik Compton Foundation

Erik founded the Erik Compton Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to organ donor awareness, medical research, and youth support programs. His mission is rooted in personal experience, as he regularly visits transplant patients, hosts youth clinics, and shares his story to inspire others.


Awards & Honors

  • Ben Hogan Award (2009) – for perseverance in golf despite serious illness
  • Babe Didrikson Zaharias Courage Award (2012) – U.S. Sports Academy
  • Donate Life Champion Award (2013) – for organ donation advocacy
  • PGA TOUR Courage Award (2013) – for overcoming extraordinary adversity

Health Journey

Erik’s story is one of unmatched resilience. Diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition at age 9, he has since undergone two successful heart transplants. His continued performance at golf’s highest level is a testament to both medical innovation and personal courage.


Legacy

Erik Compton is more than just a professional golfer—he is a survivor, advocate, and inspiration. His story has touched lives far beyond the green, showing the world what determination, second chances, and heart (both literal and figurative) can truly achieve. 🏌️‍♂️❤️

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