What was supposed to be a thrilling final round at the 2025 Travelers Championship quickly turned into a war of attrition. On a day when the PGA Tour’s elite gathered to chase a $20 million purse and vital FedExCup points, a wave of unexpected withdrawals cast a shadow over the competition at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut.
By Sunday afternoon, three players–Viktor Hovland, Eric Cole, and Matti Schmid–had all exited the event, each for different reasons. Their sudden absences, combined with earlier withdrawals throughout the week, dramatically reshaped the final Signature Event of the PGA Tour season.
Viktor Hovland: Neck Injury Halts Momentum
Perhaps the most shocking exit came from Hovland. Fresh off a top-3 finish at the U.S. Open and sitting tied for 10th after three rounds, the Norwegian star looked poised to make a charge. But just moments into his Sunday, his week came to a painful halt.
According to Hovland, he felt a “crack” in his neck while warming up on the range. Despite attempting to start the round, he withdrew after just two holes. His abbreviated final day was a huge blow to fans hoping to see one of the game’s most electric players contend.
The nature of the injury wasn’t immediately clear, though Hovland confirmed it was a sudden onset issue. Given his form and placement, the withdrawal cost him not only a chance at victory, but valuable points and momentum as the season nears its playoff phase.
Eric Cole: Illness Cancels a Promising Week
Shortly before Hovland’s withdrawal, Cole pulled out of the tournament due to illness. Cole had quietly climbed into contention after rounds of 68, 67, and 69, sitting at 6-under-par and tied for 14th.
His game had been trending in the right direction, and Sunday was shaping up to be one of his most significant performances of the year. Then came word from the PGA Tour that Cole was a late withdrawal with no further details offered.
At 37, Cole remains in pursuit of his first PGA Tour victory. His play through three rounds suggested a top-10 finish was well within reach, but the sudden illness robbed him of that opportunity. It was a disappointing development, especially in a high-profile limited-field event like the Travelers.
Matti Schmid: Another Mid-Round Mystery
Rounding out the trio of Sunday exits was Schmid, who withdrew after just four holes. Unlike Hovland and Cole, there was no immediate explanation for his decision to exit. The young German had started the final round, but walked off the course early, leaving tournament officials to confirm only that he had withdrawn. It was later confirmed his exit was due to illness.
While not in contention for a top finish, Schmid’s departure added to the sense of unease that defined much of Sunday’s proceedings. In a sport where mid-round withdrawals are relatively rare, three in one day–two of them happening mid-play–was notable.
What It Means for the PGA Tour
The rash of withdrawals raises questions–not about the integrity of the competition, but about the physical toll professional golf takes on its players. Whether due to injury, illness, or other health-related factors, Sunday at TPC River Highlands underscored how even the best-conditioned athletes are vulnerable to sudden setbacks.
For fans, it was a disappointing twist to what should have been a signature Sunday. For players like Hovland and Cole, it was a missed opportunity at one of the season’s premier events. And for the PGA Tour, it was a reminder that managing player health remains an ongoing challenge–especially during the demanding summer stretch.
Fan Reactions
Fans responded swiftly and emotionally to the wave of Sunday withdrawals at the Travelers Championship. Many were left disappointed by the absence of key contenders just as the tournament was reaching its climax.
On social media, Hovland’s early exit due to a neck injury sparked concern, especially given his strong recent form and high placement on the leaderboard.
One X user showed concern saying, “Wtf is happening in Cromwell, Connecticut? Stiff beds? No pillows?”
Another commenting,”Am I crazy, or are there a ton more WDs in this tourney than normal?”
The broader reaction focused on how unusual it was to lose three players in a single day–two of them mid-round–during a Signature Event. Though fans remained supportive of the players’ health decisions, the disappointment was palpable.
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