WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - Erik Compton is a walking billboard for organ donation and sheer determination.

He also is at the top of the Greenbrier Classic leader board.

Playing on a late sponsor's exemption, the 30-year-old double heart-transplant recipient shot a 7-under-par 63 on Thursday to share the first-round lead with rookie Matt Every in the inaugural tournament.

Compton spent eight consecutive days doing yard work at home in Miami before he got the call Saturday to play in the tournament. He made the most of his late invitation, overcoming a slow start with nine birdies on the Old White course.

George McNeill, Pat Perez, and Jeff Overton opened with 64s.

Compton was found to have viral cardiomyopathy at age 9. The disease inflames the heart and leaves it unable to pump as hard as it needs to. His first transplant came three years later, and another came in 2008.

He didn't think he would play golf again and even sold his equipment after the second transplant. But his health improved quickly.

This season he has made four cuts in seven starts.