Compton has plenty of heart heading into Open

(AP) — Erik Compton was chatting outside the clubhouse at Royal Liverpool when Ernie Els strolled up with some disappointing news.
Turns out, the Big Easy won’t be able to play a practice round with Compton on Tuesday.
Not to worry.
Els made other arrangements for the following day.
“I’ve got you the world No. 1,” Els said, referring to Adam Scott and breaking into a sly grin. “That OK?”
The offer was fitting. Compton’s stature is definitely on the rise since his inspiring performance last month at the U.S. Open, where the two-time heart transplant recipient tied for the runner-up spot behind runaway winner Martin Kaymer.
Arriving for his first British Open, Compton has the relaxed confidence of someone who truly belongs.
“I’ve played well this year,” he said. “It wouldn’t be a surprise to me if I played solid.”
His amazing story — Compton underwent his first transplant at age 12, another 16 years later after driving himself to the hospital while having a near-fatal heart attack — is not as well known on this side of the Atlantic.