Steve Palmer Is Putting His Faith in a ‘late Bloomer’ to Come Good at the Rsm Classic

Eric Cole: The Late Bloomer Making a Case for the Tour Title

As we approach the RSM Classic, seasoned golf analyst Steve Palmer is tipping Eric Cole, 37, as a player who could finally break through and secure his first PGA Tour victory. Cole has been making waves in recent months, particularly with his impressive performances at the Sony Open and Byron Nelson tournaments earlier this year.

“Late bloomers” is often used to describe players like Cole, who have shown flashes of brilliance over several seasons but haven’t yet achieved the breakthrough moment that cements their place among the sport’s elite. In Cole’s case, his run in the 2023 Honda Classic playoff has been pivotal; he has since finished fifth in multiple tournaments, showcasing his potential to finally claim a Tour title.

Form Analysis and Recent Performances

Cole’s form figures of 39-3-15 are quite promising but also highlight some consistency issues. His primary weakness lies in driving distance, which can be a significant factor on the short courses of the RSM Classic. However, Palmer believes that Cole’s iron play and short-game wizardry could compensate for this shortcoming.

In his previous RSM Classic appearance, Cole finished fifth, indicating he is well acquainted with the Sea Island Resort’s layout. His recent performances at tournaments like Sanderson Farms and World Wide Technology Championship suggest a player who can handle similar conditions effectively.

Other Notable Picks for Success

In addition to Cole, Palmer also highlights Vincent Whaley and Adrien Dumont de Chassart as players with potential to perform well.

Vincent Whaley, a solid putter who can reach super-low totals, has shown early promise on the PGA Tour. His recent form includes finishing 13th in the Bermuda Championship, indicating an ability to thrive in coastal golf conditions. Whaley is known for his consistency and could be a strong contender if he replicates his previous RSM Classic performances.

Adrien Dumont de Chassart, on the other hand, has been making waves with impressive performances on both the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour.

His recent victory in the Wichita Open is a testament to his ability to adapt quickly to new courses and conditions. Dumont de Chassart’s 61-61-64-65 performance suggests he could be a formidable force, especially given his familiarity with the RSM Classic venues.

Preparation and Outlook

The key to Cole’s success at the RSM Classic may lie in his ability to keep his ball in play. His missed cut in Bermuda last week was due to loose driving, but the weekend off could provide a blessing in disguise. Palmer believes that if Cole can manage his tee shots better and rely on his short-game prowess, he has a real chance at securing his first Tour victory.

Whaley and Dumont de Chassart present solid alternatives for bettors looking to back players with proven track records but facing more challenging odds. Both have demonstrated their ability to perform well in similar conditions, making them worthy of consideration as potential winners.

Conclusion

The RSM Classic is an event where history can be made, and Steve Palmer believes that Eric Cole could finally be the player to break through. With consistent form across multiple tournaments and a proven ability to handle coastal courses, Cole’s moment may indeed have arrived at this year’s RSM Classic.