For many golfers, the path to the PGA Tour is a slow, steady climb, and Eric Cole’s story is a perfect example. After years of grinding on the Korn Ferry Tour, the 37-year-old finally earned his card and was named the 2022–23 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. While his professional star continues to rise, much of the attention on the late-blooming star has shifted to his life off the course, specifically his marital status and his deep-rooted golfing family.
To set the record straight, Cole is happily married. He tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Stephanie Williams, in December 2023, after a surprise proposal earlier that year. However, because he keeps his personal life relatively private, fans often wonder about his family dynamics, whether he has children, and the story behind the woman who supports him on tour.
You Might Like: A Creative Match: Russell Henley’s Marriage to Artist Teil Duncan and Their Growing Family
The Woman by His Side: Wife Stephanie Williams
Eric Cole’s wife, Stephanie Williams, was born in Philadelphia in 1993 and spent much of her childhood in Boston. The couple’s love story is intertwined with golf; they met through the competitive golf scene after Cole turned professional in 2009. After more than seven years of dating, Cole decided to pop the question in spectacular fashion. In February 2023, following a practice round at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, he got down on one knee. Stephanie later recalled, “I didn’t expect it. He totally surprised me”.
The couple didn’t wait long to become husband and wife. Just ten months later, on December 9, 2023, they exchanged vows in an intimate beachside ceremony at the Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Florida. The 200-guest gathering was a far cry from the spotlight Cole faces on Sundays. Describing the big day, Cole posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “Best day of my life.” Currently, the couple resides in Delray Beach, Florida, where Stephanie remains a constant source of support, often traveling with Cole during the grueling tour schedule.
A Golfing Dynasty and the Cole Children
While Cole and Stephanie have not yet welcomed any kids of their own, Eric’s side of the family is one of the most accomplished in the sport’s history. For context, Eric Cole is actually one of seven children born to his parents. His father, Bobby Cole, is a South African professional golfer who won the Buick Open on the PGA Tour in 1977. His mother, Laura Baugh, is a former LPGA star who was the youngest winner of the U.S. Women’s Amateur and was named LPGA Rookie of the Year in 1973.
Also See: Inside Anastasia Potapova’s Personal Life: Ex-Husband, New Boyfriend, and Her Supportive Family
Given that both of his parents competed at the highest level, Eric was literally raised on the fairways. He has often credited his mother for having the biggest impact on his game, admitting he learned a great deal from her because they hit the ball similar distances. Despite this impressive dynasty, Eric is the only one of the seven siblings currently pursuing a career on the PGA Tour. He continues to battle health challenges—specifically Type 1 diabetes and Addison’s disease—while carrying on the family’s rich legacy in professional golf.
