Compton was born in Miami, Florida, to an American father and a Norwegian mother and holds dual citizenship.

When he was nine, Compton was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle is inflamed and unable to pump as hard as it should.

[3] During the Masters Tournament at Augusta, Georgia in April 2009, Compton received the Ben Hogan Award, which is given annually to a golfer who has stayed active in golf despite a physical handicap or serious illness.

He played in thirty PGA Tour events as a non-member from 2000 to 2011 through sponsor exemptions and qualifying, making the cut 18 times.

[5] He qualified for the FedEx Cup playoffs and finished the 2013 points in 99th place to retain his card and full playing rights.

[6] In 2014 Compton had his best season on tour, recording three top-10s, qualifying for the playoffs and finishing 64th in FedEx Cup points.