Bud Cauley Triumphs at Canadian Open, Celebrating Remarkable Comeback

CALEDON, Ontario — Bud Cauley secured his first PGA Tour victory at the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, marking an emotional milestone in his career after a devastating car accident in 2018 nearly ended his golfing journey. The 36-year-old golfer took the lead with a spectacular birdie chip on the par-4 12th hole, ultimately finishing the tournament with a 5-under 65, totaling 17-under 263.

Cauley's victory comes after an arduous road to recovery that included six broken ribs, a collapsed right lung, and a fractured left leg from the accident while he was a passenger in a vehicle. This win at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is particularly significant, as it occurred during his 239th start on the tour, just over two years after his return to competitive play.

Beginning the final round one stroke behind Jackson Suber, Cauley initiated a birdie streak on the back nine, starting with a shot to 4 feet on the 206-yard 11th hole. He then made a remarkable hole-out from 93 feet on the 12th, followed by successful putts of 13 1/2 feet on the 13th and 15 feet on the 15th, both par 4s. Despite a bogey on the 17th hole, Cauley managed to par the par-5 18th to secure his lead.

Matt Fitzpatrick finished in second place, which allowed him to take the lead in the FedEx Cup standings, after an eagle on the 18th hole during his round of 64. Viktor Hovland rounded out the top three at 14 under with a 65, while Suber, Jesper Svensson, Jimmy Stanger, and Brice Garnett all trailed by a stroke.