Eric Cole Leads Charles Schwab Challenge While Seeking First PGA Tour Win

Eric Cole held the 54-hole lead at the Charles Schwab Challenge after shooting a 7-under-par 63 in the third round at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. This performance marked his season-best round and matched the best score of the tournament. Cole finished three rounds at 12-under 198, holding a one-stroke advantage over Ryan Gerard. The 37-year-old golfer, who turned professional in 2009, was seeking his first PGA Tour victory. He had held the 54-hole lead six times since his PGA Tour debut in 2021.

Gerard shot a 68 in the third round to sit one stroke behind Cole. Mac Meissner and J.J. Spaun were positioned two strokes back. Cole’s third-round effort included eight birdies and one bogey, finishing nine shots better than the field average for the day. The tournament held personal significance for Cole, as he was attempting to win on his mother’s 71st birthday. Reports indicate Cole has more than 50 mini-tour victories prior to this event.

Despite the strong position, Cole did not secure the title. Russell Henley birdied the final three holes in regulation to force a playoff with Cole at Colonial Country Club. Henley won the Charles Schwab Challenge by making a 5-foot birdie on the first playoff hole. Cole remained without a PGA Tour win. He reflected on the outcome, stating, 'I had a chance to win, and I just didn't get it done.' He added, 'Obviously, it's disappointing, but I've got to take the positives and move on.'

What is confirmed

Reported Eric Cole has more than 50 mini‑tour victories prior to seeking his first PGA TOUR win at the Charles Schwab Challenge.[6]
Reported A recap video describes Eric Cole’s third‑round 63 at the Charles Schwab Challenge as including eight birdies and one bogey and being nine shots better than the field average for the day.[4]

Timeline

2026-05-28 — Eric Cole opened the Charles Schwab Challenge with rounds of 67 and 68 to place himself in contention through two rounds at Colonial Country Club.
2026-05-30 — Cole shot a season-best 7-under 63 in the third round to reach 12-under 198 and take the 54-hole lead at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
2026-05-30 — The PGA Tour reported that the third-round lead put Cole in position for another chance at his first PGA Tour victory, noting it was the sixth 54-hole lead of his PGA Tour career.
2026-05-31 — Russell Henley birdied the final three holes in regulation to force a playoff with Cole at Colonial Country Club.
2026-05-31 — Henley won the Charles Schwab Challenge by making a 5-foot birdie on the first playoff hole, leaving Cole still seeking his first PGA Tour win.

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FAQ

Who won the Charles Schwab Challenge?

Russell Henley won the Charles Schwab Challenge. He birdied the final three holes in regulation to force a playoff with leader Eric Cole at Colonial Country Club. Henley secured the victory by making a 5-foot birdie on the first playoff hole. This result left Eric Cole still seeking his first PGA Tour win, despite holding the 54-hole lead after three rounds of play.

What was Eric Cole's score in the third round?

Eric Cole shot a 7-under-par 63 in the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge. This score was described as his season-best round and matched the best round of the tournament. The round included eight birdies and one bogey, finishing nine shots better than the field average. It moved him to 12-under 198 for the tournament, giving him a one-stroke lead over Ryan Gerard.

Why was this tournament significant for Eric Cole?

The tournament was significant because Cole was seeking his first PGA Tour victory. He was attempting to win on his mother’s 71st birthday. Cole, who turned professional in 2009, had held the 54-hole lead six times since his PGA Tour debut in 2021. Despite his extensive experience with more than 50 mini-tour victories, he had not yet secured a win on the PGA Tour.