A lot to feel good about at the PGA Tour's Greenbrier Classic

The most obvious feel-good story of this week has to be Erik Compton atop the leaderboard of the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Va.

Compton fired a 7-under-par 63 on the Old White Course to tie Matt Every for the lead.

Compton, if you’re not aware, has overcome incredible odds not just to play professional golf but to remain alive. He’s undergone two heart transplants – the last one in 2007 – and is playing on sponsor’s exemptions. Nothing would cooler than seeing Compton win a PGA Tour event.

Another neat story this week has been the pledge of several people to help the 29 families affected by the April mining disaster in West Virginia.

Kenny Perry originally pledged $1,000 for each birdie he recorded this week for a fund to help the families. Now, Sergio Garcia has joined in.

They are both supported by Pennsylvania businessman Dick Carrara, whose father worked in the coal mines of West Virginia, and Greenbrier owner Jim Justice. They will each match Perry’s and Garcia’s donations.

Garcia, who can still hit it long, also pledged $5,000 for each eagle.

“Kenny’s gesture touched me, and I wanted to not only lend my support, but hopefully encourage others in the field to join in the cause,” said Garcia. “As the inaugural tournament, this week is going to be a special one for The Greenbrier Classic, but more importantly, it’s going to be a special one for the community here. I feel honored to be a part of an event that will leave the legacy that The Greenbrier Classic will here this week.”

Unfortunately, Perry got off to a slow start on Thursday, opening with a 75 and one birdie. Garcia fared considerably better with six birdies en route to a 68.

Here’s hoping Perry can bring it back on Friday, and Garcia continues his success.