Erik Crompton, Two-Time Heart Transplant Recipient, Wins Mexico Open Golf Tournament

At 12 years old, professional golfer Erik Crompton got a new heart. Three years ago, that one stopped working the way it was intended, so he got a new heart for the second time. On Sunday, Crompton notched the biggest win of his career, shooting a 17-under 271 to win the Nationwide Tour’s 2011 Mexico Open. It was Crompton’s first career win on the Nationwide Tour, and it moved the two-time heart transplant recipient multiple steps closer to securing his PGA Tour card for next season.

Crompton earned $126,000 for the victory, more than doubling his earnings for this season. Crompton, who played college golf at the University of Georgia, has received sponsors exemptions for PGA Tour events in the past, but might be earning his way onto the tour with his solid play. He returns to the PGA Tour this weekend, playing the AT&T National in Pennsylvania.