Golf Etail Blog

Erik Compton Follows Through

Photo Credit: Dot Paul

When former pro golfer-turned-collegiate coach Casey Martin won his Supreme Court case against the PGA Tour in 2001, he thought the favorable ruling – for the right to use a golf cart in competition because of a degenerative condition called Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome – would begin and end with him.

Not so.

Up-and-comer Erik Compton will be allowed to use a golf cart at the first stage of the PGA Tour qualifying tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla. The 28-year-old petitioned to use the vehicle at the 72-hole qualifier due to a medical history that includes two heart transplants.

“A review committee of three PGA Tour executives examined Compton’s medical records with the help of a tour medical advisor and ruled in his favor. He will have use of a cart in PGA Tour co-sanctioned events through March 2009, when he can re-apply,” stated this ESPN.com article.

Upon hearing the good news, trailblazer Casey Martin opined, “I love it; I’m taking 50 percent of [Compton’s] earnings.”

He’s not serious, of course. But, just in case: Erik Compton, you might want to play with one hand over your back pocket.

Money Shot: Shriners Hospitals for Children Open host Justin Timberlake and winner Marc Turnesa pose after the rookie scores his first PGA Tour title

Photo Credit: Badz/PGA TOUR

Marc Turnesa took home his first PGA Tour title Sunday after winning the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. The rookie beat Matt Kuchar by a stroke, finishing with a 4-under 68.

“I only won by a shot, so obviously every birdie I made was important,” Turnesa, 30, told PGATour.com.

Though this is the first PGA Tour win for the former North Carolina State star, Turnesa comes from a long line of famous golfers, including grandfather Mike Turnesa, a six-time PGA Tour winner, and Joe Turnesa, an uncle who racked up 14 PGA Tour wins in the 1920s and ’30s.

Talk about comin’ out swinging! Sounds like the Turnesa men were born with clubs in hand!

Congrats on your first PGA Tour win, Marc! GolfEtail wishes you continued success!