Charlie Woods isn’t the only descendant of a PGA Tour player making waves in South Florida’s junior golf world. Look out for Petra Compton (16), daughter of veteran pro Eric Compton.
On Wednesday, the Miami native and junior on Carrollton School’s golf team shot a 2-under 70 at Crandon Park to become the district medalist by six shots and advance her school to back-to-back District 16 team championships and advance to the state regionals.
“She’s secretly a very good player, probably one of the top 200 players in the country at her age, in my opinion,” her proud papa boasted. “I’ve watched a lot of golf over the years and she’s definitely coming into her own.”
Eric, 45, entered the University of Georgia as the No. 1-ranked junior player in the nation and played on the PGA Tour despite undergoing his first surgery at age 12 in 1992 and two heart transplants in 2008. Eric has turned to competitive coaching, working alongside renowned PGA teacher Jim McLean at the Biltmore Academy, also in Miami.
Petra got off to a strong start at the district tournament, birdieing three of her first five holes and finishing at 2 under par. Her father considered her a late bloomer, but her recent success didn’t come out of nowhere. She also sank a 15-foot birdie putt on the last to win the 36-hole South Florida PGA Junior Tour event at Eagle Trace earlier this month and advance to the playoffs. She said her confidence is growing and she is looking forward to making her first appearance at the Orange Bowl in January. (Peter, Petra’s grandfather, golf weekIn 2009, her father and grandmother, Ellie, dropped her off at the competition venue and relived her junior golf days with Eric.)
Petra cited his driver as the best club in his bag and said there is room for improvement with his putter. “But if the putter gets hot, it’s game over,” she said.
It’s always difficult for parents to take on the role of mentor for their children, but Petra said she relies on her father as much as Mr MacLean and his academy’s world-class team of teachers.
“My dad always tells me, ‘If you don’t believe me, tell Jim,’ and I know Jim would say the same thing,” she said.
Petra has yet to beat her father, who finished T-2 at the 2014 U.S. Open, but she said that’s mainly because the two haven’t played in a long time. The last time they played a practice round together, she made a putt to beat him, but missed and the match ended in a draw. “I’m sure I can do it now,” she said.
Eric isn’t going to give up without a fight and says he’s keeping his game sharp, but he enjoys watching his daughter find her own success on the golf course. “It’s more rewarding to see her succeed than it is for me to play well,” he said.
