Eight years after a severe car accident that cast doubt on his future in professional golf, Bud Cauley has achieved his first PGA Tour victory at the RBC Canadian Open. The comeback story is remarkable, with Cauley securing the title in dramatic fashion by making four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the back nine, ultimately winning by two shots over Matt Fitzpatrick.
Cauley reflected on the difficult times, stating, “There were times when I was hurt that we really werenโt sure if I was going to be able to play again… Once I was able to start playing again and I felt more comfortable with my body and it holding up โ Iโve always believed in my ability to play golf and play the game and be competitive โ I knew I could win, but I also knew that I needed to prove it to myself and go out and do it.”
The 36-year-old golfer sustained significant injuries in June 2018 after a single-car accident: six broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a fractured left leg, and a concussion. Despite these setbacks, Cauley returned to the game in October 2018 and qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs in 2019 and 2020. However, complications from his broken ribs in late 2020 led to further surgeries and extended time away from the tour.
Cauley’s Consistent Performance Leads to Victory
Throughout the Canadian Open, Cauley maintained a strong performance, posting rounds of 69-63-66-65 for a tournament total of 17-under-par. While early leaders faltered, Cauley’s consistent play kept him in contention. Matt Fitzpatrick finished second at 15-under-par with an eagle on the 18th, while Viktor Hovland took third at 14-under.
Starting the final round one shot behind the leader, Cauley made crucial birdies on holes 11, 12, and 13, propelling him into the lead. A highlight of his round was a 93-yard chip-in for birdie on the 12th hole. “The last few weeks, itโs like I kind of havenโt been able to keep it going,” Cauley explained. “Iโm playing really solid golf, but itโs like Iโll make a couple birdies and then make a bogey and it kind of kills my momentum. Where, this week it seemed like when I made a birdie, I was able to back it up with a couple and really kind of keep that momentum going.”
A bogey on the 17th narrowed his lead to two shots, but Cauley played the final hole conservatively to secure the victory and a prize of $1.764 million. He celebrated his hard-fought win with his wife, Kristi, and their two young sons, a moment he had envisioned for years.
Fitzpatrick Takes Over FedExCup Lead
With his strong performance at the Canadian Open, Matt Fitzpatrick has now moved into the lead of the FedExCup standings, surpassing Scottie Scheffler. Both golfers are expected to compete in the upcoming U.S. Open.
Brooks Koepka, the 2018 U.S. Open champion, withdrew from the Canadian Open due to a hand injury, with his participation in the U.S. Open uncertain.
English Translation:
Eight years after a severe car accident that cast doubt on his future in professional golf, Bud Cauley has achieved his first PGA Tour victory at the RBC Canadian Open. The comeback story is remarkable, with Cauley securing the title in dramatic fashion by making four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the back nine, ultimately winning by two shots over Matt Fitzpatrick.
Cauley reflected on the difficult times, stating, “There were times when I was hurt that we really werenโt sure if I was going to be able to play again… Once I was able to start playing again and I felt more comfortable with my body and it holding up โ Iโve always believed in my ability to play golf and play the game and be competitive โ I knew I could win, but I also knew that I needed to prove it to myself and go out and do it.”
The 36-year-old golfer sustained significant injuries in June 2018 after a single-car accident: six broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a fractured left leg, and a concussion. Despite these setbacks, Cauley returned to the game in October 2018 and qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs in 2019 and 2020. However, complications from his broken ribs in late 2020 led to further surgeries and extended time away from the tour.
Cauley’s Consistent Performance Leads to Victory
Throughout the Canadian Open, Cauley maintained a strong performance, posting rounds of 69-63-66-65 for a tournament total of 17-under-par. While early leaders faltered, Cauley’s consistent play kept him in contention. Matt Fitzpatrick finished second at 15-under-par with an eagle on the 18th, while Viktor Hovland took third at 14-under.
Starting the final round one shot behind the leader, Cauley made crucial birdies on holes 11, 12, and 13, propelling him into the lead. A highlight of his round was a 93-yard chip-in for birdie on the 12th hole. “The last few weeks, itโs like I kind of havenโt been able to keep it going,” Cauley explained. “Iโm playing really solid golf, but itโs like Iโll make a couple birdies and then make a bogey and it kind of kills my momentum. Where, this week it seemed like when I made a birdie, I was able to back it up with a couple and really kind of keep that momentum going.”
A bogey on the 17th narrowed his lead to two shots, but Cauley played the final hole conservatively to secure the victory and a prize of $1.764 million. He celebrated his hard-fought win with his wife, Kristi, and their two young sons, a moment he had envisioned for years.
Fitzpatrick Takes Over FedExCup Lead
With his strong performance at the Canadian Open, Matt Fitzpatrick has now moved into the lead of the FedExCup standings, surpassing Scottie Scheffler. Both golfers are expected to compete in the upcoming U.S. Open.
Brooks Koepka, the 2018 U.S. Open champion, withdrew from the Canadian Open due to a hand injury, with his participation in the U.S. Open uncertain.
