Eric Cole surged into the lead at the Charles Schwab Challenge with a season-best 7-under 63, matching the tournament’s lowest round and reaching 12-under par after three rounds. The 37-year-old holds a one-shot advantage over Ryan Gerard, with Mac Meissner and reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun two strokes behind. Starting the day tied for 25th and five shots off the lead, Cole carded eight birdies and just one bogey, highlighted by a 27-foot chip-in birdie at the 16th. He now has a chance to secure his first PGA TOUR victory on Sunday, which also marks his mother Laura Baugh’s 71st birthday.
Meanwhile, overnight leader Jordan Smith struggled to a 4-over 74, falling to tied 19th. Meissner stayed in contention despite late bogeys, while Michael Thorbjornsen slipped back after a 71. Cole will take a sixth career 54-hole PGA TOUR lead into the final round.