THE AMERICAN EXPRESS

January 20, 2024

Eric Cole

PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course

Quick Quotes

Q. A little drizzly towards the end, but how did it go today?

ERIC COLE: It was good. I went on a little run of birdies there on the back nine, which was very welcome. It's a course and a tournament you have to shoot low at, so to have another good round today was good.

Q. Back to Stadium tomorrow. What's the key to navigating that final round?

ERIC COLE: Yeah, not a whole lot different. I think the stats are saying it's a little harder, but it still rewards good shots, and there's plenty of birdies to be made out there. So, just stay aggressive and hopefully have a good day tomorrow.

Q. You mentioned staying aggressive. What's the key to putting yourself in good contention for that final round, especially where birdies are out there for a final day?

ERIC COLE: Yeah, just have the mentality of trying to birdie, make as many birdies as you can. The scores are low, and they're going to be low again tomorrow. You know the weather's going to be perfect and the greens are going to be perfect, so just try and get off to a hot start tomorrow and keep it going.

Q. Are you someone that's goal oriented or sets goals in front of the season?

ERIC COLE: Yeah, yeah, I do a little bit.

Q. So, after a successful rookie season, what are some of those goals for this season?

ERIC COLE: I have a lot of 'em. I have, like, some big goals I would like to accomplish by the end of next year, and I also have some smaller more, like, process-oriented goals, just to be prepared for every tournament, and make sure I'm rested, and stuff like that. Then, a big one is to be in contention more. I had a good year last year, but I love the feeling of being in contention, and I would like to be in that spot a little more often this year.

Q. Did I read, were you born here in Palm Springs area?

ERIC COLE: I was, yeah. I didn't grow up here, but I was born here, and then my parents moved to Orlando where I grew up.

Q. Being in a golf family, what has been your background? Would you visit here, have you played around in the area often?

ERIC COLE: Yeah, when I was young I probably came out here twice, maybe two or three times, with my mom, and played some of the courses here at PGA West. Didn't spend a whole lot of time out here, just maybe a week at a time, maybe two or three times. So not a ton of time, but I love it out here, and I love coming out here this time of year.