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

He's also at the top of the Greenbrier Classic leaderboard.

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

"You know, some guys miss six, seven cuts in a row and then win," Compton said. "I know I'm a good player, and I have a lot of the adversity in front of me with the game and health. But I always feel like if I stick in there and keep trying, something eventually good is going to happen."

While more than half of the field is in jeopardy of missing the FedExCup playoffs and others are trying to secure spots in next month's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, Compton is taking it week by week, looking to solidify a future either on the PGA Tour or the Nationwide circuit.

A few years ago, it wasn't looking so bright.

Compton was diagnosed with 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 occurred in 2008.

He didn't think he'd play golf again and even sold his equipment after the second transplant. But his health improved quickly and he returned to the game within weeks.

This season he's made four cuts in seven starts.

In the past he might have denied that his transplants would have been a bigger deal than shooting a low score, but not now.

"It affects so many people," Compton said.

Compton's stamina is good, though he admits it may not be up to the level of other players. That's in part because of the hilly terrain and expansive layout of some courses.

"My health is great. I keep a good eye on it," Compton said. "I'm almost like a doctor now myself because I've been through so much and being able to manage medications and take it on the road."

Good friend Victor Billskoog, who's carrying Compton's bag this week for the first time, is hoping to attend the PGA Tour's qualifying school and uses Compton as an inspiration.

"He has such a great story coming from the depths that he came from," Billskoog said. "When I get down on myself and think about how hard I'm having it, I think about Erik and his remarkable story."

"I'm just trying to enjoy the opportunity," Compton said. "It's just the first round. I've played this sport long enough to know that (Friday) I tee off at 2 o'clock and might be seven back. So I'm just trying to be patient."

Compton's previous best round this year was 4-under 67 in February at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.