Despite enduring a nearly career-ending car accident just seven years ago, Bud Cauley showcased remarkable resilience during THE PLAYERS Championship 2025, held at the iconic TPC Sawgrass course on March 16-17. Now 35 years old, Cauley marked his birthday amid impressive competition, finishing tied for sixth with a score of nine under par—an inspiring outcome for the former Alabama All-American and fan favorite.
On the third round of the tournament, Cauley achieved a stellar 6-under par 66, placing him just one stroke behind J.J. Spaun. This performance set the stage for what could have been his first PGA Tour title, showcasing not just his skill but his fierce determination. Yet, the final round didn’t go as he hoped. With a 2-over par 74, Cauley fell short of making the playoff with Rory McIlroy and Spaun, who ended the tournament at 12-under par.
The PGA Tour’s official Instagram account celebrated Cauley’s incredible comeback story. A post titled “Get to know @budcauley” offered fans insights about his career and early days practicing just six miles from Sawgrass. It recounted the tragic accident he had back on June 1, 2018, when Cauley was involved in a severe crash, leading to multiple injuries including five broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a fractured leg. The post served not only as promotion but as motivation for many fans, highlighting Cauley’s unwavering spirit and commitment to golf.
“I pray he wins…it would help balance out all he’s been through,” one fan wrote on social media, encapsulating the sentiments of many rooting for Cauley. Jessica Korda dubbed him “The GOAT,” adding to the growing support as fans started to take notice of his remarkable comeback and improvement on the course.
Even though he did not clinch the trophy at THE PLAYERS Championship, Cauley’s performance earned him enough FedEx Cup points to secure his PGA Tour membership for the rest of the season—a significant achievement, particularly after his long recovery path. “It’s kind of hard right now to think about [receiving enough points]. I’m a little disappointed with how the day went. But, yeah, I mean, I did a lot of things well this week to finish top 10, and a tournament this big is a great step forward for me,” said Cauley after the round.
His accomplishments on this prestigious stage come after years of struggle, showcasing he has not relinquished his dreams of competing at the highest levels. Just before the tournament, Cauley had mentioned, “I have always believed I can compete with the best guys in the world—and I should be, hopefully, winning tournaments. That’s always been my dream,” reflecting his aspirations even through the toughest of times.
His drive caught the attention of his peers, including friend and fellow Alabama All-American Justin Thomas. At the championship, Thomas revealed his desire for Cauley to succeed: “I would do some really, really weird things for Bud to win today,” he said, exuding the pride he feels for his old friend who has fought through so much adversity. “He’s just been through a lot. He’s had injuries and craziness, but I’m just happy to have him out here.”
Entering the final day, Cauley was initially positioned for victory, as he had entered with great momentum, sitting just one shot off the leaderboard. Despite the pressure and challenges of the golf course, he managed to remain optimistic for his career as he reflected on his performance, saying, “I have a lot more confidence, I think, leaving here today than what I showed up with.”
The path back to form has been anything but easy for Cauley. Having missed out on PGA Tour events from September 2020 until February 2024 due to complications from his injuries, he finally earned his way back onto the tour through hard work and sheer willpower. Just last year, he had been awarded a 27-tournament medical extension to regain his playing rights.
Despite the setback at THE PLAYERS, this showing was significant for his career and growth as he will continue to strive for his goal of capturing his first professional title. His experience and character have now become key talking points among golf enthusiasts and analysts alike, fortifying his position as one of the most inspirational players on tour.
Though Cauley missed out on victory, fans worldwide are excited to see where his career goes from here, as each game presents opportunities for triumph and closer chances of championship titles. With increasing support and recognition, Bud Cauley's story is far from over, and the golf community watches eagerly as he builds on this promising foundation.
