Eric Cole

Eric Cole

Eric Cole: A Brief Biography

Eric Cole
Eric Cole (Source: Official Instagram Account of Eric Cole )

Eric Cole Early Life and Background

Born in 1988, both Eric Cole's parents were accomplished golfers. His mother, Laura Baugh, achieved early fame, winning the US Women's Amateur at 16 and competing on the LPGA Tour. His father, Bobby Cole, amassed 13 professional victories worldwide. Though Cole's parents divorced and remarried later, they instilled a love for the game in him. Surrounded by the sport from a young age, Cole began taking golf seriously at 11 with his parents as his coaches. This immersion continued as he befriended golfer Arnold Palmer's grandson at 14, gaining access to renowned courses and further solidifying his passion for the game.

Eric Cole Amateur Golf Career

Cole became friends with Sam Saunders, the grandson of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, during his high school golf days at 14. This friendship led to remarkable experiences on the golf course, including playing at Palmer's esteemed home clubs, such as the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Florida and the Latrobe Country Club in Pennsylvania. Over time, Cole's bond with Saunders grew stronger, and he even served as Saunders' caddie at the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour. These encounters and shared moments with golfing icons have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Cole's journey as a golfer.

Eric Cole Professional Career

Cole has an impressive record of 56 Minor League Golf Tour victories, with the coveted tour championship titles secured in 2009 and 2021. In 2017, he qualified for the Korn Ferry Tour and participated in eight events, making two cuts and finishing tied for 39th place in his best performance.

Returning to the Korn Ferry Tour in 2021, he played in 31 games and achieved his first top-10 finish at the Savannah Golf Championship in October 2020, tied for third. Throughout the 2022 season, Cole recorded five top-10 finishes, including two third-place finishes.

While competing in the prestigious 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course, Cole missed the cut after posting rounds of 77 and 73. However, he made a triumphant comeback by tying for third place in the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Championship, earning his PGA Tour card for the highly anticipated 2023 season.

Notably, in February, Cole was in a gripping tie with Chris Kirk for the top spot on the leaderboard at the Honda Classic. In the end, Kirk secured victory with a birdie on the first playoff hole, and Cole finished second.

Eric Cole Playing Style

Cole is a skilled golfer with a well-rounded style of play. He is proficient in driving, iron play, and short games, which allows him to remain consistent throughout the course. Cole is exceptionally skilled at pitching and chipping on Bermuda grass, showcasing his mastery of the crucial short game.

Eric Cole Golf Journey

Cole had a successful high school and college career, but his journey to the PGA Tour was challenging. He turned pro and dominated the Minor League Golf Tour, with 56 wins, but struggled to qualify for the PGA Tour through Qualifying School (Q-School). Due to a health scare and injury setbacks, he had to take breaks and even teach golf. However, he always maintained his determination.

Finally, in 2017, he secured his Korn Ferry Tour card, and after a strong performance in 2022, including a tied-third place at the Tour Championship, he earned his long-awaited PGA Tour card in 2023. This underdog story culminated in him being named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.

Eric Cole Net Worth

Cole's net worth could be around $1 million. There is limited information on Cole's net worth, but it is rumoured that he has accumulated a substantial fortune due to his successful career in golf.

Cole has earned $1,604,259 throughout his career, which is a significant financial achievement. He has recently performed exceptionally well, highlighting his potential for even greater success. Cole's outstanding performance in a tournament earned him a prize of $915,600, which boosted him to the 33rd position in the FedEx Cup standings. With such remarkable progress and promising prospects, it is only a matter of time before Eric Cole's career earnings skyrocket to new heights.

Eric Cole Ventures

Cole has caught the attention of several well-known brands who seek to associate themselves with his achievements. Due to his impressive presence and notable accomplishments, Cole has become an attractive ambassador for golf-related products, equipment, and lifestyle brands such as Titleist. Consequently, he has secured lucrative endorsement deals, which have boosted his financial portfolio and strengthened his position as a highly sought-after athlete in the golfing industry.

Eric Cole Assets

In terms of Cole's investments, there needs to be more information available. However, Nicolai may have some investments that he keeps private.

Eric Cole Family

Cole is the first-born son of professional golfers Laura Baugh and Bobby Cole. He hails from a family of accomplished golfers. His mother, Laura Baugh, won the US Women's Amateur in 1971 at 16. She was a regular player on the LPGA Tour in the 1970s and 1980s and was named the LPGA Rookie of the Year in 1973. Throughout her 25-year LPGA career, she had 70 top-10 finishes.

Cole's father, Bobby Cole, is a native of South Africa and has registered 13 worldwide professional victories. He also tied for third in the PGA Championship and The Open in 1974 and 1975, respectively. Cole grew up around golf courses, as both of his parents were professionals. He is one of seven siblings.

Eric Cole Father

Eric Cole's father is Bobby Cole, a retired professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour. Bobby was born in Springs, South Africa, and inspired by fellow South African golfers Bobby Locke and Gary Player. He started playing golf at 11 and won the South African Junior Golf Championship.

As an amateur, Bobby Cole won the British Amateur at Carnoustie in 1966 when he was just 18 years old. He held the record for the youngest tournament winner until Matteo Manassero broke it in 2009 by winning at 16. Bobby turned professional in 1967 and played on the Champions Tour. He won 13 professional competitions, including three Sunshine events and one PGA Tour contest.

Bobby Cole participated in all the major tournaments and was the youngest player to cut the Masters in 1967. Bobby Cole was married twice in his life. He first married LPGA golfer Laura Baugh in the 1980s, and they had seven children together. Later, he married Linda Parker.

Eric Cole Mother

Laura Baugh, the mother of Cole, a professional golfer, is a former LPGA Tour player herself. She was born in Gainesville, Florida, and her father, Hale Baugh, was an Olympian who competed in Modern Pentathlon during the 1948 Summer Olympics. Laura started playing golf at three and won the National PeeWee Golf Championship five times. After her parents' divorce, she moved to California to live with her mother.

In 1973, Laura made her professional debut and eventually earned her LPGA Tour card. Before that, she participated in several tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour during the early stages of her career and earned 71 top-10 finishes. Nowadays, Laura is a writer and golf commentator.

Eric Cole’s Grilfriend

Stephanie Williams and Eric Cole have reportedly been in a relationship for seven and a half years. Eric Cole proposed to Stephanie Williams at Pebble Beach Golf Links in February during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Eric Cole Cars

There is no information available about his collection of cars.

FAQ's On Eric Cole

A. The Florida native had a golf pedigree but never a PGA Tour card until this season.

A. Eric Cole was born in Palm Springs, California.

A. Yes, Eric Cole comes from a golfing family. His mother, Laura Baugh, won the 1971 US Women's Amateur at 16 years old and was a regular on the LPGA Tour in the 1970s and 1980s. His father, Bobby Cole, is a native of South Africa and registered 13 worldwide professional victories.

A. Eric Cole is one of seven siblings.

A. Eric Cole started playing golf seriously at the age of 11.

A. Eric Cole’s Caddie is Reed Cochrane.