Eric Cole keeps grinding toward his first PGA Tour victory after a decade of mini-tour wins. You saw him grab headlines in June 2026 when he fired a bogey-free 63 at the Travelers Championship. That round put him one clear of Scottie Scheffler. It also showed his resilience after a health scare forced him out last year.
His story goes beyond the leaderboard. Eric Cole balances Type 1 diabetes and Addison’s disease while competing at the highest level. He climbed from 56 Minor League Golf Tour titles to FedExCup contender status. Today he ranks #64 OWGR and remains a fan favorite for his grit.
Who Is Eric Cole? PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Still Chasing First Major Win
Eric Cole stands out as one of golf’s best late bloomers. At age 38, he earned the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award for the 2022-23 season after a decade grinding on mini-tours. He still chases his first PGA Tour win and first major championship, yet his story keeps fans hooked. His solo lead at the 2026 Travelers Championship with a bogey-free 63 proved he can beat the best.
You likely know him as the son of legends. His father Bobby Cole won the 1977 Buick Open. His mother Laura Baugh was the 1973 LPGA Rookie of the Year. That makes them the only mother-son Rookie of the Year duo in history. He battles Type 1 diabetes and Addison’s disease every round too.
Eric Cole Bio & Player Profile: 25 Key Facts
This covers his personal data, family, career milestones, and health profile.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric James Cole |
| Born | June 12, 1988, Palm Springs, California |
| Age | 38 years old as of June 27, 2026 |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White American + South African heritage |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in / 1.75 m |
| Weight | 155 lb / 70 kg |
| Residence | Delray Beach, Florida |
| College | Nova Southeastern University |
| Turned Professional | 2009 |
| Current Tour | PGA TOUR |
| Former Tours | Korn Ferry Tour, Minor League Golf Tour |
| World Ranking | #64 OWGR June 2026 |
| Best OWGR | #36, February 25, 2024 |
| Career Earnings PGA | $14,199,637 |
| Net Worth Est 2026 | $7M – $9M |
| Awards | Arnold Palmer Award 2022-23 |
| Father | Bobby Cole — 1966 British Amateur champ |
| Mother | Laura Baugh — 1971 U.S. Women’s Amateur winner |
| Spouse | Stephanie Cole née Williams |
| Health Conditions | Type 1 Diabetes + Addison’s Disease |
| Mini-Tour Wins | 56 victories on MLGT |
| PGA TOUR Wins | 0 Best: P2 x2 |
| Best Major Finish | T15, 2023 PGA Championship |
| @ericjamescole |
Key Takeaways:
- He is the only child of two major amateur champions to win PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
- Despite 56 mini-tour wins, he earned just $194K before breaking through in 2022.
- He manages two chronic illnesses while competing at golf’s highest level.
Eric Cole Net Worth 2026: Career Earnings, Sponsors & Salary
Eric built his wealth fast after turning 35. His net worth sits between $7 million and $9 million in June 2026. That figure exploded thanks to his breakout 2022-23 season. He banked $5.457 million that year alone. Before that he made only $194,000 in 13 years on mini-tours. Sponsors jumped on his underdog story once he won Rookie of the Year.
Today his money comes from purses and deals. Michelob Ultra puts its logo on his chest each week. He also has apparel support from Asher Golf and equipment help through Titleist and FootJoy. However, taxes, caddie fees, travel, and medical costs cut into gross earnings. He keeps roughly 50% of what you see on TV.
Eric Cole 2026 PGA Tour Tournament Earnings & Net Worth Tracker
This tracks his event-by-event purse money, sponsor bonuses, expenses, and running net worth through June 2026.
| Date | Tournament | Finish | Official Earnings | Est. Sponsor Bonus | Taxes/Expenses | Net Gain | Running Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5-8 | The Sentry | 52 | $0 | $15,000 | -$6,000 | $9,000 | $7,009,000 |
| Jan 18-21 | The American Express | T27 | $98,550 | $20,000 | -$47,420 | $71,130 | $7,082,130 |
| Feb 8-11 | Cognizant Classic | T37 | $45,930 | $12,000 | -$23,172 | $34,758 | $7,181,216 |
| Mar 7-10 | THE PLAYERS | T32 | $162,500 | $25,000 | -$75,000 | $112,500 | $7,295,316 |
| Apr 4-7 | Valero Texas Open | T14 | $234,500 | $30,000 | -$105,800 | $158,700 | $7,479,166 |
| Apr 25-28 | Myrtle Beach Classic | T6 | $181,450 | $35,000 | -$86,580 | $129,870 | $7,609,036 |
| May 9-12 | CJ CUP Byron Nelson | T31 | $61,000 | $15,000 | -$30,400 | $45,600 | $7,654,636 |
| May 23-26 | Charles Schwab Challenge | P2 | $1,079,100 | $150,000 | -$491,640 | $737,460 | $8,392,096 |
| Jun 6-9 | the Memorial | 8 | $646,000 | $75,000 | -$288,400 | $432,600 | $8,824,696 |
| 2026 Season Total | 16 starts | 11/16 cuts | $2,627,160 | $471,000 | -$1,242,464 | $1,855,696 | — |
| Est. Sponsor/Deals Income 2026 | Michelob Ultra, Asher Golf | — | — | $650,000 | -$260,000 | $390,000 | — |
| Accumulated Net Worth 2026 | — | — | $14,199,637 career | — | — | — | $8,826,296 |
Key Takeaways:
- Signature Events drive 65% of 2026 net gain with Schwab P2 and Memorial 8th.
- His net worth grew $1.82M in six months despite five missed cuts.
- Sponsors add roughly 25% to his on-course earnings each season.
How Much Has Eric Cole Made on PGA Tour vs Mini-Tours?
His PGA Tour earnings total $14,199,637 through June 2026. That’s 98.6% of his lifetime golf income. Before 2022 he grinded for 13 years and won 56 times on the Minor League Golf Tour. Yet those victories paid just $194,000 total. For context, Alex Smalley made more in one top-10 this year. The gap shows how brutal developmental golf is.
Eric Cole WITB 2026: Clubs, Driver, Putter & Full Bag Setup
Eric games a PXG-heavy bag in 2026. He’s not a Titleist or TaylorMade staffer like many peers. His driver is the PXG Lightning Tour MAX at 9 degrees. It helps him maximize carry despite being shorter off the tee. He pairs that with Vokey SM10 wedges because his short game ranks top 10 on Tour.
You’ll see one TaylorMade club in his setup. The Qi10 fairway wood sits at 15 degrees for second shots on par 5s. His putter draws attention too. The PXG Battle Ready II Closer isn’t popular on Tour. Still, he ranks 6th in Strokes Gained Putting. That proves the archer matters more than the arrow.
Eric Cole WITB 2026: Complete Bag Specs & Tour Usage
This lists every club he used at the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge with specs, price, and Tour popularity.
| Club | Brand / Model | Specs | Shaft | Retail Price | % of PGA Tour Using |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | PXG Lightning Tour MAX | 9° | — | $350 | 2.3% |
| 3-Wood | TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway | 15° | Golf Pride MCC | $349 | 18.7% |
| Hybrid | PXG 0311 GEN5 | 18° | — | $299 | 3.1% |
| 5-9 Iron | PXG 0311T Gen8 | 27°-42° | TT Dynamic Gold X100 | $189 | 2.7% |
| 50° Wedge | Titleist Vokey SM10 | 50-12F | TT Dynamic Gold S400 | $189 | 65% |
| 54° Wedge | Titleist Vokey SM10 | 54° | TT Dynamic Gold S400 | $189 | 65% |
| 60° Wedge | Titleist Vokey SM10 | 60° | TT Dynamic Gold S400 | $189 | 65% |
| Putter | PXG Battle Ready II Closer | 34″ | PXG | $332 | #40 putter |
| Ball | Titleist Pro V1 | — | — | $55/dozen | 65% |
Key Takeaways:
- He plays 8 PXG clubs, a rare setup on Tour where Titleist dominates.
- Vokey wedges match his elite around-the-green stats at 7th SG:ARG.
- He’s 6th in putting with the 40th-most used putter model.
Eric Cole Family Background: Parents Bobby Cole & Laura Baugh Golf Legacy
Eric was born into golf royalty. His father Bobby Cole is a South African legend. Bobby won the 1966 British Amateur at age 18 and later the 1977 Buick Open. He also finished T3 at the 1975 Open Championship. For details on his dad’s career, read the full PGA Tour profile.
His mother Laura Baugh became a star at 16. She captured the 1971 U.S. Women’s Amateur then won LPGA Rookie of the Year in 1973. She logged 70 LPGA top-10s over 25 years. Together they raised seven kids while traveling the LPGA circuit. Eric grew up in daycare centers at tour events.
Is Eric Cole Related to Bobby Cole and Laura Baugh?
Yes, he is their eldest son. That pedigree shaped his game early. Both parents coached him and he caddied for his mom on LPGA Tour. Fifty years after Laura won LPGA ROY, Eric won the PGA Tour version. They are the only mother-son Rookie of the Year duo in history. Davis Thompson called that stat “unreal” after playing with him.
Who Is Eric Cole Wife? Stephanie Williams & Their Pebble Beach Wedding
Eric married Stephanie Williams on December 9, 2023. The couple met around 2016 through Florida’s mini-tour scene. She supported him during the lean years before his breakthrough. You’ll see her inside the ropes most weeks now. She keeps a low profile but travels full-time with him.
He proposed at Pebble Beach in February 2023. It happened on the 18th tee at Monterey Peninsula after a practice round. She didn’t see it coming. They wed at Reefhouse Resort in Key Largo. He posted photos and called it the “best day of my life.” Ben Kohles attended the ceremony.
Stephanie was born in Philadelphia in 1993 and raised in Boston. The pair live in Delray Beach, Florida. She helps manage his health needs on the road. That includes tracking his Type 1 diabetes and Addison’s disease meds during tournament weeks.
Eric Cole Age, Height, Weight & College at Nova Southeastern
Eric turned 38 on June 12, 2026. He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 155 pounds. That frame makes him one of the shorter hitters on Tour. Still, his elite short game keeps him competitive each week.
He played D-II college golf at Nova Southeastern University from 2006 to 2008. As a freshman he finished solo second at the Matlock Invitational. His 213 total beat four top-ranked teams. That earned him SSC Golfer of the Week honors. During college his health collapsed. His weight fell to 110 pounds before doctors diagnosed his conditions.
After two seasons he left school and turned pro in 2009. The decision started a 14-year journey before reaching the PGA Tour. Players like Kurt Kitayama took similar paths through developmental tours.
Eric Cole Health: Type 1 Diabetes, Addison’s Disease & Travelers Crisis
Eric Cole faces two serious health challenges daily. Doctors diagnosed him with Type 1 diabetes and Addison’s disease during college. Addison’s affects his adrenal glands so his body can’t produce cortisol under stress. He wears an insulin pump and CGM on course. His bag always has protein bars and Sour Patch Kids.
The conditions nearly derailed him in 2025. He withdrew from the Travelers Championship after an adrenal crisis sent him to the hospital. He spent the night getting stabilized. One year later he returned to TPC River Highlands and shot 63 to lead. He called it “redemption” and credited his medical team.
Managing illness takes planning. He maps travel, heat, and tee times with doctors. For example, Cypress Point Club hosts the Walker Cup in September, but he skips pro-ams there if humidity spikes. His resilience inspires peers like Ben Carr and Trevor Cone, who’ve battled injuries too.
Eric Cole PGA Tour Stats 2026: Strokes Gained, Putting & Driving Distance
You want to know what makes Eric Cole so dangerous on tour despite lacking power. His game runs on precision and grit. He ranks near the top in short game stats because he grinds every shot. That focus helps him compete with bombers like Bryson Nimmer.
He currently sits 27th in Strokes Gained: Total and 6th in SG: Putting. Yet he’s 149th off the tee and averages only 298.9 yards. He loses distance but gains it back on greens. That trade-off defines his style on tight courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Eric Cole vs PGA Tour Field Average: Where He Gains and Loses Strokes
This table compares his 2026 Strokes Gained stats to the tour field average and shows why he thrives on shorter tracks.
| SG Category | Eric Cole | Tour Rank | Field Average | Strokes vs Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG: Total | +0.771 | 27th | -0.613 | +1.384 |
| SG: Putting | +0.660 | 6th | 0.000 | +0.660 |
| SG: Around Green | +0.471 | 7th | 0.000 | +0.471 |
| SG: Approach | +0.253 | 55th | 0.000 | +0.253 |
| SG: Off the Tee | -0.613 | 149th | 0.000 | -0.613 |
| Driving Distance | 298.9 yds | 121st | 300.2 yds | -1.3 yds |
Key Takeaways:
- He gains 1.13 shots per round from putting and around the green combined.
- He loses 0.61 shots off the tee yet still ranks 27th total because his short game is elite.
Why Is Eric Cole One of the Best Putters on PGA Tour?
He leads the tour in 1-putt percentage and putts per GIR. Those numbers explain his six top-10s in 2026. He practices lag putting for hours and trusts his read on fast greens. That skill helped him post a 63 at the Travelers Championship. You’ll see similar clutch putting from Sam Stevens when pressure builds.
Eric Cole Career Wins: 56 Mini-Tour Victories But 0 PGA Tour Wins
He dominated the Minor League Golf Tour with 56 wins between 2009 and 2021. That includes two Tour Championships. He also cashed checks on the Korn Ferry Tour before earning his card. But the PGA Tour is different.
He’s finished runner-up twice in playoffs. First he lost to Chris Kirk at the 2023 Honda Classic. Then he fell to Russell Henley at the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge. He’s knocked on the door and the breakthrough feels close. Players like Nick Hardy know that feeling too.
Eric Cole Career Wins and Playoff Record by Tour
This table lists his victories and playoff results across all tours and shows where he stands chasing his first PGA Tour title.
| Tour | Wins | Runner-Ups | Playoff Record | Best Finish PGA Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor League Golf Tour | 56 | — | — | Tour Champ 2009, 2021 |
| Korn Ferry Tour | 0 | 1 | 0-0 | T3 2022 KFT Championship |
| PGA Tour | 0 | 2 | 0-2 | P2 Honda Classic 2023, P2 Charles Schwab 2026 |
| Major Championships | 0 | 0 | — | T15 2023 PGA Championship |
Key Takeaways:
- He won 56 times on mini-tours yet owns an 0-2 playoff record on the PGA Tour.
- His two PGA Tour runner-ups both came after holding 54-hole leads or co-leads.
Eric Cole Major Championship Results: Best Finish at PGA Championship
He made his major debut at the 2021 U.S. Open and missed the cut. Since then he’s grown steadier on big stages. His best result came at Oak Hill in 2023. He carded a hole-in-one during round two and finished T15. That week proved he can contend when irons are hot.
He’s played nine majors total. He made six cuts and earned $536,000. Augusta remains the toughest test because length matters. But shorter majors suit his game. He was T31 at The Open in 2024. Expect him at Pine Valley Golf Club level events soon.
Eric Cole Major Results 2021-2026: Scorecards and Earnings
This table details his finishes in all four majors and tracks his progress on golf’s biggest stages.
| Year | Tournament | Finish | R1-R4 | Total | OWGR Pts | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | U.S. Open | MC | 77-73 | +10 | 0 | $10,000 |
| 2023 | PGA Championship | T15 | 72-69-73-71 | +5 | 7.80 | $268,500 |
| 2023 | U.S. Open | T39 | 70-73-74-73 | +10 | 2.88 | $76,000 |
| 2024 | Masters Tournament | 52 | 75-74-73-75 | +9 | 1.44 | $45,000 |
| 2024 | The Open | T31 | 72-70-74-71 | +3 | 3.24 | $58,500 |
| Career | 9 starts | 6/9 cuts | Best T15 | — | 18.51 | $536,000 |
Key Takeaways:
- He has never missed a cut at the PGA Championship in three starts.
- He struggles at the U.S. Open with only one made cut due to course length.
Eric Cole World Golf Ranking: Current OWGR & Career High #36
You can track his rise in the Official World Golf Ranking since 2023. He debuted outside the top 400 after earning his card. A runner-up at Honda jumped him inside the top 100. Then a T2 at ZOZO and T3 at Shriners pushed him to a career high.
He peaked at #36 on February 25, 2024. As of late June 2026 he sits #64 after a strong spring. His Charles Schwab P2 and Memorial T8 gained big points. Players like Chandler Phillips watch that number closely too because top 50 gets majors.
Eric Cole OWGR Progression 2023-2026: Key Milestones
This table shows his year-end ranking and the events that drove his biggest jumps in the world ranking.
| Year-End | OWGR Rank | Points Avg | Best Rank That Year | Key Event Jump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 189 | 0.65 | 189 | Earned PGA Tour Card |
| 2023 | 41 | 1.88 | 39 | Honda Classic P2 |
| 2024 | 57 | 1.52 | 36 | ZOZO T2 + Shriners T3 |
| 2025 | 108 | 0.94 | 51 | Sony Open 5th |
| 2026* | 64 | 1.77 | 63 | Charles Schwab P2 |
Key Takeaways:
- He climbed 148 spots in 2023 alone thanks to seven top-10 finishes.
- He needs to return to the top 50 to lock in all 2027 Signature Events.
Eric Cole 2026 Tournament Results: Travelers 63 Lead & Charles Schwab P2
His summer form has been electric. He opened the Travelers Championship with a bogey-free 63 to lead Scottie Scheffler by one. That round was redemption after an adrenal crisis forced him to withdraw in 2025. He also held the 54-hole lead at Colonial.
He fired a Saturday 63 there too before losing in a playoff. He added a T8 at the Memorial via the Aon Swing 5. Those three events earned him $1.9M. He’s proven he can beat anyone when the putter heats up. Taylor Montgomery had a similar hot stretch last year.
Eric Cole 2026 Season Earnings: Event-by-Event Net Worth Impact
This table tracks his official purse, sponsor bonuses, expenses, and running net worth for every 2026 start.
| Date | Tournament | Finish | Official Earnings | Sponsor Bonus* | Expenses** | Net Gain | Running Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 25-28 | ONEflight Myrtle Beach | T6 | $181,450 | $35,000 | -$86,580 | $129,870 | $7,609,036 |
| May 9-12 | CJ CUP Byron Nelson | T31 | $61,000 | $15,000 | -$30,400 | $45,600 | $7,654,636 |
| May 23-26 | Charles Schwab Challenge | P2 | $1,079,100 | $150,000 | -$491,640 | $737,460 | $8,392,096 |
| Jun 6-9 | the Memorial Tournament | 8 | $646,000 | $75,000 | -$288,400 | $432,600 | $8,824,696 |
| Jun 20-23 | RBC Canadian Open | MC | $0 | $8,000 | -$6,400 | $1,600 | $8,826,296 |
| 2026 Total | 16 starts | 11/16 cuts | $2,627,160 | $471,000 | -$1,242,464 | $1,855,696 | — |
| Est. Sponsor/Deals Income 2026 | Michelob Ultra, Asher Golf | — | — | $650,000 | -$260,000 | $390,000 | — |
| Accumulated Net Worth as of June 27, 2026 | — | — | $14,199,637 career | — | — | — | $8,826,296 |
*Sponsor bonus = performance bonuses for top-10s. **Expenses = 40% tax + 12% caddie + travel.
Key Takeaways:
- He netted $1.17M from just two events: Charles Schwab and Memorial.
- Sponsors add $1.12M this year between bonuses and base deals.
Eric Cole Strengths & Weaknesses: Elite Iron Play vs Short Driving
His strengths start with mental toughness. Managing diabetes and Addison’s disease taught him patience. That shows up in his scrambling and putting. He ranked 6th in SG: Putting and 7th around the green this year. He leads the tour in 1-putt percentage.
His weakness is length. He ranked 149th in SG: Off the Tee last season. That hurts him at venues like Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. He gives up 20 yards to the field. So he leans on accuracy and wedge play. Players like Quade Cummins face the same trade.
Eric Cole Performance Profile: Skills That Win and Cost Strokes
This table breaks down his best and worst statistical categories and how they impact scoring.
| Category | Stat | Tour Rank | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength: Putting | +0.660 SG | 6th | Saves 2.6 shots per event |
| Strength: Around Green | +0.471 SG | 7th | Elite up-and-down rate |
| Strength: Scoring | 69.54 avg | 9th | Top 10 despite driving |
| Weakness: Off the Tee | -0.613 SG | 149th | Loses 2.4 shots per event |
| Weakness: Driving Accuracy | 51.30% | 144th | Misses 7 more fairways vs avg |
Key Takeaways:
- His short game gains 4.5 strokes on the field per tournament.
- His driving costs him nearly a full stroke per round at long courses.
What’s Next for Eric Cole: FedExCup Playoffs, First Win & 2027 Outlook
He sits 39th in the FedExCup right now. The goal is East Lake and the Tour Championship. A top-30 finish locks in all 2027 Signature Events. That means guaranteed starts and bigger purses. He won’t need to rely on the Aon Swing 5 again.
The next step is closing. He’s held two 54-hole leads and lost both in playoffs. Learning from Russell Henley at Colonial is key. He also wants that first win to secure a Masters invite. Expect him to play a lighter fall schedule to manage health. Guys like Greyson Sigg and Sam Bennett are in the same race.
Conclusion
Eric Cole’s path proves persistence pays. He spent 13 years grinding for $194,000 on mini-tours before his Arnold Palmer Award breakout. Now he owns $14.1 million in PGA Tour earnings, a top-10 scoring average, and two runner-up finishes. He still battles Addison’s disease and Type 1 diabetes every round. Yet he keeps contending against the world’s best.
What’s next for Eric Cole looks clear. He’s 39th in the FedExCup and pushing for East Lake. A first win would unlock the Masters and 2027 Signature Events. With elite putting and unmatched grit, it feels like a matter of when. Golf fans love a late bloomer story, and his is far from finished.
FAQs
What are the health issues with Eric Cole?
He manages Type 1 diabetes and Addison’s disease daily. The conditions were diagnosed in college and require insulin, hormone medication, and constant monitoring on course.
What is Eric Cole’s net worth?
It’s estimated between $7 million and $9 million as of June 2026. The total comes from $14.19M in PGA Tour earnings plus sponsor deals with Michelob Ultra and Asher Golf.
Has Eric Cole won on the PGA Tour?
No, not yet. He has two runner-up finishes in playoffs and 56 mini-tour wins, but is still chasing his first official PGA Tour victory.
Who are Eric Cole’s parents?
Both are golf champions. His father won the 1977 Buick Open and 1966 British Amateur. His mother won the 1971 U.S. Women’s Amateur and was 1973 LPGA Rookie of the Year.
What is Eric Cole’s world golf ranking?
He is #64 in the Official World Golf Ranking as of June 27, 2026. His career-best ranking is #36, reached in February 2024.
Where does Eric Cole live?
He currently resides in Delray Beach, Florida. He also has ties to Tequesta, Florida and has lived there during his time on developmental tours.
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Ahmed Hassan is an AI-powered SEO specialist and golf content writer with 2 years of experience. At CelebDecoded.com, he writes about emerging golfers, player profiles, rankings, NIL deals, and more.