ST. SIMONS ISLAND (Ga.) — Laura Baugh stood outside the men’s changing room entrance at Sea Island Resort, waiting to kiss and hug her son Eric Cole on the cheek, and congratulate him for a quick start at the RSM Classic on Thursday. Baugh, the 1973 LPGA Rookie of Year, said “Good playing honey.”
Cole, 50 years after his mother’s award, is one of top contenders to win Rookie of the year honors on the PGA Tour. He said that it would be cool to have two award-winning members of the same family. It’s something really cool to share. I don’t think that has ever happened.
Cole’s rookie year on the Tour has started off well for a successful ending. He shot a 6-under-66 on the Plantation Course at Sea Island Golf Club after a rain-delayed first round. His goal is to win his first Tour title in the final 54 events of the 2022-23 Wraparound Season.
Cole’s father Bobby played on the Tour during the 1970s, winning one tournament. He didn’t reach the Tour until age 35. Even after a short break from golf, he continued to teach and caddy for his friend Sam Saunders who is the grandson Arnold Palmer.
He said, “When I taught, I realized that if I never make it to the PGA Tour, and I have success, my life will still be OK. It’s not a big deal.” It almost relieved some of the pressure I was under by taking a step back and thinking that if I made it, then great, but even if not, I would still be able to live a happy life.
Cole earned $221.637 by finishing the season in the top 25 of the points list. Cole has recovered from his lost time by earning almost $5 million during his rookie season and recording 13 top-25 finishes. Cole almost won the Honda Classic in February, but lost in a play-off. He has had three top-4 finishes in his last 4 starts.
Cole has been a birdie-machine this season. Cole has already set a record of circles on his card for a single year, and increased his total on Thursday to 534.
He said: “I tend to play aggressively so I get a lot of birdies and I try to avoid making too many bogeys.”
He only made two bogeys in the first round – Nos. He birdied four of his last five holes, and shared the lead with Cameron Young. Cole’s birdie at 15 was the highlight for the day, after a poor drive on the par 4 hole.
He said, “Had it wedged over the trees and it was close to a pin so it was a bonus birdie.”
A delay of more than one hour was experienced in the start of the first game. The second delay occurred at 1:45 pm, midway through the round. Play resumed after darkness at 5:17 pm. Only 65 players had completed their rounds.
Cole doesn’t just want to make his case for Rookie of the year. He was ranked No. The 48th place in the Official World Golf Ranking is the qualifying number for the Masters. Cole’s mother lived in Augusta while she was a teacher at a nearby golf course. He has not yet been to the property.
He said, “I have driven past the entrance but that is all.” It’s something I can do if I continue to do the little things right.
The first round will resume at 8 am. ET.
