Bud Cauley’s triumphant return to the PGA Tour, after a life-altering accident, is an inspiring tale of resilience and tenacity. A horrendous car crash in 2018 during The Memorial Tournament left Cauley with six fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and a shattered left leg. Yet, the PGA Tour pro demonstrated an unyielding spirit, making his comeback just four months post the incident. However, the aftershock of the accident lingered over the years, leading to Cauley’s long-term withdrawal in 2021 to fully recuperate.
Fast forward to 2024, Cauley re-emerged on the PGA tour at the WM Phoenix Open, earning admiration for his relentless pursuit of excellence. His commendable performance at the 2025 PLAYERS Championship proved that he is a formidable contender, capable of standing up to the best in the game. Despite Rory McIlroy taking home the accolades, Cauley’s journey has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Nonetheless, the sting of defeat isn’t easily brushed off. Cauley, in conversation with Gary Williams on the Golf Channel’s ‘5 Clubs’ show, confessed his disappointment at not securing the top spot. “It’s tough. Unless you win, you are never completely happy,” he admitted. Cauley was in a strong position, trailing behind the leader, JJ Spaun, by merely a stroke on the third day. While his performance on the final day, which also happened to be his birthday, did not drastically improve his standing, he managed to maintain his position. What was truly disheartening for him was to see Rory McIlroy, who was two spots behind him at the end of day 3, seize the victory.
Cauley also divulged the uncertainty that clouded his participation in the tournament. He was playing on the PGA Tour under a Major Medical Exemption, which gave him 27 starts to secure a PGA Tour Card. His spot in the PLAYERS Championship was confirmed only after Lee Hodges withdrew, making his sixth-place finish at the TPC Sawgrass all the more remarkable. This achievement enabled him to regain his PGA Tour card, freeing him from relying on his Medical Exemption to participate in the Tour.
The saga of Bud Cauley is a testament to the power of grit and determination. From surviving a dreadful accident in 2018 to securing a respectable T-6 position at THE PLAYERS in 2025, his journey has been nothing short of heroic. It’s not just the golfing world that eagerly anticipates his maiden win, but also his close friend and two-time Major winner, Justin Thomas. Thomas, who was the best man at Cauley’s wedding, has been a pillar of support during Cauley’s challenging journey.
Thomas recalls the day of Cauley’s accident as an emotionally taxing one, stating that he couldn’t “hit a shot, couldn’t play a hole, without thinking about him.” He has been cheering for Cauley and believes it would be a grave injustice if his friend doesn’t clinch a victory on the Tour. Thomas has faith in Cauley’s talent, predicting a long and successful career for him in the game.
Cauley’s journey underscores the transformative power of sports, illustrating how dogged determination and unwavering spirit can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As the PGA Tour continues, all eyes will be on Cauley. Will he cement his place in the golfing world this year? Only time will tell.