Eric Cole Leads Travelers Championship After Opening-Round 63

Eric Cole shot an opening-round 63 to lead the 2026 Travelers Championship after 18 holes at TPC River Highlands. Cole returned to the event after qualifying through the Aon Swing 5. He posted a back-nine 30 to move into the lead.

One year earlier Cole withdrew before the final round of the 2025 Travelers Championship after entering adrenal crisis. He had finished three straight sub-70 rounds and stood in a tie for 14th entering Sunday. Cole has Addison's Disease, which limits hormone production under stress.

"Spent the night in the hospital and was not in shape to come out and play, which was disappointing, because I was playing pretty well and I love this tournament and I wanted to be a part of Sunday," he said. "I'm not sure if it's redemption, but I'm happy to be here and feeling good, and hopefully none of that this year," Cole said Thursday.