Eric Cole Takes Charge at Colonial, Prepares for Tough Final Round

After an impressive performance on Saturday, Eric Cole finds himself leading the Charles Schwab Challenge, but he knows the toughest challenge is yet to come. The 37-year-old PGA Tour veteran shot a remarkable seven-under 63 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, giving him a narrow lead heading into the final round.

Cole’s stellar round was two shots better than the next closest competitor, Nico Echavarria, who carded a 65, and four strokes ahead of several players who managed to shoot 67. This marks Cole's 120th appearance on the PGA Tour, and the quest for his first victory continues. “It’s not going to be an easy day tomorrow, I know that from my experience,” Cole acknowledged. “I know that it’s going to be difficult, but that’s why I practice really hard and that’s why I try and do everything the way I do so that I could be as prepared for whatever tomorrow brings.”

Starting the day five shots behind the leaders, Cole quickly made his move, going four under on the front nine. He added birdies on holes 10, 11, and 14, with a single bogey on 15 before recovering with another birdie on 16. He finished with a solid par on the final two holes to secure the clubhouse lead. “Everything was kind of working well,” Cole said. “I got off to a really good start.”

Holding a 12-under total, Cole is just one stroke ahead of Ryan Gerard, who finished strong with a 68 thanks to birdies on the last two holes. “That’s going to be big for tomorrow,” Gerard stated. “Every shot really matters; any time you get a chance to capitalize on an opportunity you got to take advantage of it.” J.J. Spaun and Mac Meissner sit tied at 10 under, while seven players, including notable names like Justin Thomas and Gary Woodland, are at seven under.

As Cole looks ahead to Sunday, he anticipates similar conditions to Saturday, with the possibility of wind affecting play. “There’s no rain, so it’s not going to get any softer,” he noted, preparing himself for another demanding day on the course.