Erik Compton, a former standout at the University of Georgia, played on the 2001 USA Walker Cup Team that lost at Ocean Forest Golf Club in Sea Island, Ga., 15-9. Compton, a two-time heart transplant recipient, went 1-1-1 in the competition. He has since turned professional and owns one Web.com Tour win and three wins on the PGA Tour of Canada.
What was it like for you playing in the Walker Cup?
Well, I think any amateur would probably feel about the same. You have this tremendous sense of pride playing for your country, but you're shaking in your shoes when you get to that first tee. I think one of the great things about making the Walker Cup other than the patriotism of it is that you know that you have played well over the course of a year or two years, and that is a pretty good feeling. It gives you some confidence.
What do you remember most about that 2001 match?
I think just winning my first match against Gary (Wolstenholme). He's a great player and had a lot of experience, and I just played very solid. That was definitely a good win. (Wolstenholme is GB&I's all-time points leader with 10)
Did the Walker Cup at all prepare you for your professional career?
I think so. I think that was a great step along the way. You learn a lot about yourself when you're put in that kind of a pressure situation and playing in front of pretty big crowds. You learn how to manage your emotions, your nerves and your game.