3 weeks agoThings have not been pretty this season for Eric Cole, as the former PGA Tour Rookie of the Year has missed four of his last five cuts. The 36-year-old is bleeding strokes from virtually every part of his game, ranking outside the top 135 in any strokes gained category other than around the green (65th: +0.124). That doesn't bode well on most tournament setups, but especially not one as demanding as the Copperhead Course. Given the shorter length that Cole has to work with, it certainly seems viable that he'd have more success as we get further into the season, however, we'll have to start seeing improvements in multiple areas before playing him in DFS becomes fun again.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
1 month agoOn one hand, the approach play that Eric Cole has put on display in the past gives many reason to believe he is a good business decision for a course like PGA National. But on the other, how much longer can he live off the ROTY season in 2023 that has given him such credibility? It's an interesting conundrum given that the tournaments where he gains strokes on approach are still incredible (three events gaining a combined +12.14 strokes), but the tournaments where he's lost strokes could be described with the same word but with a much different meaning ( four events losing a combined -14.20 strokes). Perhaps more concerning is the putter sickness he's been dealing with all year, currently ranking 148th in Tour in strokes gained putting (-0.365). Even at $8,900 on FanDuel, Cole isn't someone to have much confidence in right now.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
2 months agoEric Cole has played in all five PGA Tour events this year with finishes of T22, T68, T68, fifth place, and 52nd-place finishes. He now looks ahead to the WM Phoenix Open, an event he has competed in once before, finishing T49 in 2024. This course favors strong drivers, and Cole has struggled in this area, ranking 128th in total driving and 134th in strokes gained off the tee. On a positive note, Cole has excelled with his approach play, ranking in the 89th percentile for proximity from 150-200 yards, a distance that accounts for 42.6% of all approach shots at TPC Scottsdale. At $7,100 on DraftKings, Cole may not be the best value in this price range with other options offering more upside.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
2 months agoDespite a 70-74 weekend, Eric Cole is hopeful for the Farmers Insurance Open. The American golfer, who was born in Palm Springs, likes the California golf courses. Also, Cole is 3-for-3 at making cuts in the early going. The next question is can he get back into contention? Cole finished fifth at the Sony Open. He has been average metrics wise in January but 2024 numbers show more potential including 77th in overall strokes gained (0.287) and a Top 50 putting ranking (0.258). Putts per round ranked 12th at 28.1 and Top 50 scrambling numbers help Cole's case here. He might be a sneaky choice in DFS circles especially if his price is lower this week.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
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