Erik Compton enters Masters off busy schedule

Erik Compton made it his intention to play as much golf as possible leading into his first Masters Tournament, and he said last week’s results were a positive step forward.

Compton has competed in four events since the beginning of March, including last week’s Houston Open, where he finished tied for 55th.

“Last week, I felt like my game was starting to get into form, and there’s really only one missing piece right now in my game,” said Compton, who has been the recipient of two heart transplants. “I feel like if I get that figured out, I should have a great week.”

It’s been an up-and-down past year for the University of Georgia product.

He qualified for the Masters by finishing second in the 2014 U.S. Open and posted a career-best three top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour in 2014. He missed the cut in five consecutive PGA Tour events before finishing tied for 43rd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in late March. After taking a week off, he made his final preparation in Houston, and he said his game is getting closer.

“My biggest focus right now is trying to get the ball in play,” Compton said. “If I can get the ball in play, I’ll have a great week.”