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Erik Compton’s Golf Mojo
What drives Erik Compton? How can he stare his future in the face and not blink? Why does he surprise his touring pro buddies by popping into the locker room at the Doral days after a heart procedure? How can he place himself in the public spotlight and unflinchingly answer such personal and probing questions?
I can only deduce one thing: He’s found golf’s mojo.
For those who don’t know, Erik received a heart transplant 16 years ago at age 12. Today, he faces increasingly serious issues that have drawn him irrevocably back to the place where he finds a large measure of peace and comfort: the world of golf.
Here is what Erik said to The Golf Channel’s Tim Rosaforte during one profound TV interview, “I think all these guys out there on tour—all the top players—they have so much magic. And it’s good for me to be around them for that to rub off.”
All of us know that golf has that certain “something” that can make pulses race and spouses incredulous. But I’ll tell you, when Erik looked Tim in the eye and said in essence that he sought golf’s magic power at this crucial time in his life, wow, that really opened my eyes. Suddenly, hundreds of years of golf addiction made sense.
What is mojo? Simply, mojo means “soul” or “life-force.” Most of us, I think, believe that our golf addiction comes from our strange proclivity for self-abuse in a green paradise. Erik sees things, I believe, quite differently. I believe that he sees the game, its verdant stage, and all its heroic players as a holistic and positive force, as something to seek in times of trouble, as valuable to his outlook and well-being. This is a remarkable thing for him to express, and a valuable thing for us to ponder.
In Erik’s view, he is not taking this life-journey alone. As he told Tim, “I have a girl’s heart. She’s taken me 16 years and she’s tired and I think she wants some peace.” He has often said that he’s living his life for two—for himself and for the girl who saved his life. “The hardest thing for me is realizing that I have to let some of that go if I get another transplant. Somebody else will be with me—again…that’s kind of hard for me to deal with a little bit.”
Some say that golf gives you heart. In Erik’s case, his new heart gave him golf. That girl allowed Erik to live a dynamic life wrapped in the embrace of golf’s newly discovered magic. Erik and golf formed a life-altering bond in 1992, during the rehabilitation following his heart transplant. He rose to become the top junior boy golfer in the nation, an All-American at the University of Georgia, a player on the Walker Cup team, and a member of the Nationwide Tour with his sights set on a PGA Tour card. Then, last September, emergency surgery unblocked an artery that would have certainly killed him. Most recently, on March 18, he underwent an angioplasty and ultimately had to have a defibrillator implanted in his heart. Then what? Then, four short days later, he was talking to Tim and spending a day at Doral with his buds.
Now at 28 years old, Erik’s heart is failing and he requires a another transplant. He will have to let the girl go. He is saddened, optimistic, and philosophical at the same time, while seeking solace amidst a steady supply of good golf mojo.
So, where laughter is the best medicine for some, for Erik I think it is a pured four-iron in the hands of a friend. Or, maybe I am romanticizing his words. Perhaps he travels to golf’s venue merely as a weary traveler might return home where he belongs. Still, if we’re talking about mojo, there’s no place like home. Or maybe for Erik, there’s no place like home on the range.
Photo by Dot Paul
News
Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
News
Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
News
GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
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