Compton takes share of lead in West Virginia

Erik Compton hit a sublime seven-under-par opening 63 at the Greenbrier Classic golf in West Virginia today as he bids to continue a remarkable personal story.

The 30-year-old Florida native is a two-time heart transplant patient having suffered health problems since childhood.

However, he refuses to let illness get the better of him and a seven-under round saw him take a share of the first-round lead alongside fellow American Matt Every.

Bogeys at the second and third did not auger well for Compton but a brilliant turnaround in fortunes saw him enjoy an excellent round, with birdies on the fourth and fifth plus a further seven.

‘It was a difficult start,’ Compton told www.pgatour.com. ‘You have to have drive it good (here). If you do, you can definitely take advantage.

‘I hit some really close shots, a couple of good putts. I guess the round just kind of developed like that.’

Every's round, which he began on the 10th, was sparked by an eagle on the par-five 12th and he consolidated with consecutive birdies on the 16th, 17th and 18th.

Compatriots George McNeill, Pat Perez and Jeff Overton were hot on their heels a shot back in a three-way tie for third after 64s.

Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge was sharing sixth with Charles Howell, Aron Price, Matt Bettencourt and John Rollins following 65s.

Richard S Johnson of Sweden was the leading European, tied for 11th after a 66, while popular Spaniard Sergio Garcia was two under, alongside England's Greg Owen.

Scotland's Martin Laird was a shot further back, while Englishman Brian Davis had a day to forget - he was four over par after carding a 74.