PGA Tour Golfer Surprisingly Withdraws Before Final Round at Travelers Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 12:25 PM ET

The Travelers Championship will tee off for its final round on Sunday with Tommy Fleetwood as the solo leader with a score of 16-under par. He is tightly followed by Keegan Bradley and Russell Henley with a 3-shot deficit. But, before the round could begin, PGA Tour announced unfortunate news.

In an unexpected twist at the tournament, Eric Cole, the PGA Tour's 2023 Rookie of the Year contender, has withdrawn before the final round due to illness. The decision, just one round shy of completing the tournament at TPC River Highlands, came as a blow following a promising weekend for the 35‑year‑old Floridian.

Cole entered Sunday’s penultimate round within striking distance of the lead, carding rounds of 68-67-69, vaulting himself into serious contention for the top 10.

Cole is known for battling adversity, including managing type‑1 diabetes and Addison’s disease, on and off the course.

"I wear an insulin pump and blood glucose monitor," Cole said. "In my golf bag, I carry sugar-free protein bars for when my blood sugar is stable, and I have Sour Patch Kids and Starbursts for when it dips."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eric Cole (@ericjamescole)

"To treat Addison’s, I take a few pills in the morning to replace the hormones my body doesn’t create, and I don’t have symptoms. As long as I have my medication, gear and supplies, I feel good."

He has participated in 22 events this year, with two top 10 finishes. He has missed seven cuts, including one a the U.S. Open last week with a score of 12-over par.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: