Eric Cole Aims for First PGA Tour Victory After Stellar Round at Colonial

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Eric Cole has positioned himself for a potential first win on the PGA Tour, delivering an impressive 7-under 63 on Saturday to take the lead after three rounds of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial. This performance ties him for the best round of the tournament, bringing his total to 12-under 198, just ahead of Ryan Gerard, who carded a 68 with consecutive birdies.

Mac Meissner (67) and reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun (68) are close behind, sitting two strokes back. Cole started strong, notching four birdies in his first eight holes, and added two more by the 11th on a sweltering 90-degree day at Hogan's Alley, which had dried out after earlier rain. His only blemish was a bogey on the back nine, which was immediately followed by another birdie.

Spaun managed to salvage a birdie from a greenside bunker on the 15th hole after struggling with two bogeys in the previous three holes. Meanwhile, PGA Tour rookie Jordan Smith, who began the day with a one-stroke advantage at 10 under, fell back significantly with a 4-over 74 that included four bogeys and no birdies, landing him in a tie for 19th place.

At 37, this marks Cole's 120th start on the PGA Tour. He comes from a family of golfers; his mother, Laura Baugh, was the LPGA's rookie of the year in 1973 and enjoyed a successful 25-year career with over 70 top-10 finishes. His father, Bobby Cole, originally from South Africa, secured a single PGA Tour victory in 1977.

Cole's quest for victory coincides with his mother's 71st birthday on Sunday, and he now leads after 54 holes for the sixth time since he joined the PGA Tour in 2021. His last lead resulted in a fifth-place finish at the 2025 Sony Open. His remarkable chip-in from 27 feet at the 16th hole, following a bogey at the 15th, showcased his skill and determination. With a solid start on Saturday, Cole aims to capitalize on his lead as the tournament progresses.