Justin Thomas, the two-time major champion, has been nothing less than vocal about his support for his close friend and fellow golfer Bud Cauley as they both competed at the prestigious PLAYERS Championship held at TPC Sawgrass on March 16, 2025. Thomas didn't hold back his feelings, saying, "I would do some really, really weird things for Bud to win today," showcasing the depths of his friendship and admiration for Cauley, who has faced numerous challenges throughout his professional career.
The connection between Thomas and Cauley dates back to their time as college golfers at the University of Alabama. They began as mere acquaintances but soon became roommates, eventually strengthening their bond—a friendship built not just on shared interests but also enduring hardships. "For sure. Yeah, we lived together for, I don’t know what it was, four, five years, something like (three or four)," Thomas recalled during a press conference following the final round.
But life hasn't been smooth for Cauley. On the contrary, he has encountered hardships, and the most devastating came on June 7, 2018, when he was involved in a severe car accident after the second round of the Memorial Tournament. This accident left him with six broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a broken leg, leading his career to hang by a thread. Following the incident, Cauley’s resolve shone through as he made the brave decision to return to the PGA Tour just three months later, only to be sidelined again due to complications from his injuries.
Fast forward to the present, and their shared narrative continued to prove compelling as Cauley arrived at the 2025 PLAYERS Championship, where he was able to showcase his skills among the best golfers. Returning to professional golf after taking three years off, his experience shone through as he began the final round tied for second place at 11-under.
Cauley, currently ranked No. 251 globally and 128th on the FedEx Cup standings, is determined to make his mark on the PGA Tour. With numerous challenges surmounted, this tournament offers him significant career momentum, thanks to its remarkable $25 million purse. The stakes are particularly high for Cauley: finishing within the top 18 not only secures his spot for the remainder of the season but earning over $1.25 million would also guarantee his playing rights for the following season.
"It’s hard to put [the break from golf] to words when you’ve done something every day of your life, and then it gets taken away," Cauley expressed. Reflecting on the relationships he’s built throughout his career—especially with Thomas—he highlighted, "It does change your perspective on just how fortunate we are to be able to play golf."
The camaraderie between Thomas and Cauley was on full display as they rallied behind each other. Thomas's emotional support was evident when he described the nerves he felt on the final day of the Championship, remarking, "Yeah, I probably wanted it too bad. I was telling Jill last night, I was like a nervous parent. I just want him to play well so bad, because I know how bad he wants it." This sense of shared fate encapsulated their friendship, illustrating the unique and often overlooked bonds formed within the competitive golf circuit.
Despite his best efforts to shake off his early struggles, things didn’t pan out quite as planned for Cauley at TPC Sawgrass. He dropped four places by the time the day was suspended, due to poor weather conditions, having recorded four bogeys and just one birdie through eleven holes. By this time, he was four shots behind the temporary leader, Rory McIlroy, confronting another uphill battle not just for himself but also for his friend Thomas, who finished tied at T33 with a score of 2 under.
Cauley’s tournament included high stakes at every turn, as he needed just two shots to reach the playoffs, but by finishing at T6, he continued to solidify his place and standing, ending up with 9-under par. Thomas's wish for Cauley to clinch this victory didn't become reality, but the outcome remained positive and promising.
Looking back at their shared experiences—from the heights of college tournaments to heart-wrenching moments during the accident to now competing on one of the sport's biggest stages—Cauley and Thomas demonstrate the beauty of friendship within the world of golf. The support they've shown each other through life’s ups and downs paints a vivid illustration of how sports can transcend competition, resulting instead in lasting bonds and indelible stories of resilience.
Reflecting on their history together, Bud Cauley summed up the essence of mentorship and friendship when he stated, "Yeah, it’s been great. J.T. and I are close friends and play a lot together at home. Our families hang out... We talk more about life and stuff like than we do about golf.” This perspective reinforces why Thomas's support for Cauley mirrors the very nature of true friendship—a sincere desire to see your loved ones succeed, regardless of the competitive turf.
While Bud Cauley may not yet clinch his first PGA Tour win, his story is just beginning anew, spurred on by loyalty from friends like Justin Thomas, who believes wholeheartedly, as he expressed, "I just want him to play well so bad... It's just a huge moment." The next chapter for Cauley seems to be brimming with possibility, driven by newfound hope and undying friendship.