Eric Cole’s Parents

Eric Cole was born in Palm Springs, California, on June 12, 1988. Cole attended Nova Southeastern University, a private research university in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida. At 14, while playing high school golf, Cole became a friend of Sam Saunders, the grandson of Arnold Palmer, and got to know the seven-time Major-winning legend. The three played golf at Palmer's home clubs, Bay Hill in Florida and Latrobe in Pennsylvania.

Cole has claimed 58 Minor League Golf Tour wins. He earned his Korn Ferry Tour card in 2017, played eight tournaments, making two cuts, and earned about $5000.

He was back on the Korn Ferry Tour by the 2020 season before another spell on the Minor League Golf Tour. He eventually earned his PGA Tour card after finishing T3 in the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Championship. Cole was also named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in early 2024, making him 35, the second oldest player to win the Arnold Palmer Award after Todd Hamilton.

Who are Eric Cole’s parents?

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

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

Who is Eric Cole’s father?

Eric Cole’s father is Bobby Cole, a retired professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour. Born in Springs, South Africa, he was inspired by fellow South African golfers Bobby Locke and Gary Player. Bobby 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.

Who is Eric Cole’s mother?

Cole's mother, Laura Baugh, played professional golf for the LPGA Tour. She was born in Gainesville, Florida, to Hale Baugh, who competed at the 1948 Summer Olympics in Modern Pentathlon. Laura won the National PeeWee Golf Championship five times and started playing golf at three. After her parents' divorce, she moved to California from Florida to live with her mother.

In 1973, Laura made her professional debut and ultimately received her LPGA Tour card. Before that, she competed on the LPGA of Japan Tour during the early stages of her professional career, playing several tournaments and earning 71 top-10 finishes. Today, Laura is a writer and golf commentator.

What is the nationality of Eric Cole’s parents?

Cole’s mother, Laura Bagh, is American, while his father, Bobby Cole, is South African.