Diaz
My Five: Golfers Who Overcame Disabilities
Jaime Diaz ranks the five golfers who succeeded in overcoming physical disabilities
June 30, 2011
Golf for anyone requires compensations for individual tendencies, and especially people with pre-existing physical problems. But probably more than any other sport, it gives those with major issues a chance to play at the highest level. Here are the five best examples of players who exhibited the heart and talent overcome to tremendous handicaps and win professional tournaments.
1. Erik Compton
Compton at age 9 was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, which enlarges the heart and inhibits the pumping of blood. He underwent a heart transplant at age 12, and went on to become the No. 1-ranked junior in the country. He made All-America at the University of Georgia and turned pro in 2001. But Compton failed to make the PGA Tour and fought fatigue on lesser tours. In 2007, he suffered a heart attack after missing the cut at a Nationwide tournament, and had a second transplant in May of 2008. His play has steadily improved and last week at 31, he won the Nationwide Tour's Mexico Open with a closing 65, all but assuring him a PGA Tour playing card next year. He said the victory "sums up my whole life."
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