ESPN Golf

Erik Compton got off to a respectable start Wednesday in his quest to earn a PGA Tour card by shooting a 2-under-par 70 in a second-stage Q-school qualifier in Brooksville, Fla.

Compton, who less than six months ago received the second of his two heart transplants, is attempting to make it to the final stage of qualifying next month, where PGA and Nationwide tour cards will be at stake.

His 70 at Southern Hills Plantation put him in a tie for 19th, with the top 20 and ties after 72 holes advancing to the finals. Among those playing in the second-stage qualifier are past PGA Tour winners Robert Gamez, Grant Waite and Michael Bradley, all of whom are tied for eighth after shooting 69s. Other previous winners in the field are John Huston and Garrett Willis.

Three weeks ago, Compton rallied to advance out of the first stage by shooting a final-round 68 near his Miami Beach home to finish among the top 23 and advance. Last week, on a sponsor's exemption, he tied for 60th at the Children's Miracle Network Classic near Orlando in the PGA Tour's final event of the season.

Bob Harig covers golf for ESPN.com. He can be reached at BobHarig@gmail.com.