Bud Cauley celebrated his first PGA Tour win with his wife and sons.
'Seems Like Perfect Timing': Bud Cauley Reacts to Emotional RBC Canadian Open Victory With Family Present
June 15 2026, Published 11:50 a.m. ET
Bud Cauley shared an emotional reaction after he secured his first PGA Tour victory at the RBC Canadian Open.
"With everything that our family went through when I was out and then to have my first win when everyone's here, just it kind of seems like perfect timing," Cauley stated on Sunday, June 14, after winning the title.
Bud Cauley Recalls Emotional Family Moment After First PGA Tour Victory
Bud Cauley carded a final-round 65 to secure his breakthrough victory.
Cauley had often thought about his first title celebration and wanted his wife, Kristi and sons Cooper and Miles to witness the achievement.
"Even last year a couple times when I was in contention my family wasn't with me and it would always kind of cross my mind that if I, hopefully for my first win everyone would be here," he said.
He knew a victory celebration with his family was possible, but tried to stay focused on each shot.
"I hit that putt up there to a few inches and I kind of stood on the front of the green and I looked over and saw Kristi, Cooper and Miles standing there, and I started to tear up. I tried to look down. I had a short putt, but I was trying and couldn't see, and so I thought I needed to clear my eyes before I could go up there and tap in," the American athlete explained.
Bud Cauley Shares Gratitude After Comeback From Career-Threatening Accident
Bud Cauley defeated Matt Fitzpatrick by two strokes at TPC Toronto.
"Just so many people helped me get here and I'm just really thankful for all the help that I've gotten," the 36-year-old reflected on the difficult journey behind his first PGA Tour victory after 239 starts.
Cauley said his tough recovery period after the car accident changed his outlook on golf and life. After he got another chance to compete, he wanted to prepare the right way and make the most of the opportunity.
"I put my wife through so much during those dark times and it's just nice to have a little success as kind of a thank you."
'I Knew I Could Win': Bud Cauley Details Road From Injury Doubts to PGA Tour Success
Bud Cauley completed a memorable comeback after his 2018 car accident.
Cauley revealed that he always trusted his golf ability despite the difficult moments after his accident. However, there was a period when his future in the sport was uncertain. "So there were moments and conversations that Kristi and I had where we didn't know if it was going to work out."
Cauley regained his confidence after his body recovered and he was able to compete again. "I've always believed in my ability to play golf and play the game and be competitive. I knew I could win, but I also knew that I needed to prove it to myself and go out and do it."
Bud Cauley earned 500 FedExCup points after his RBC Canadian Open victory.
Cauley secured the RBC Canadian Open title with a strong final-round score of 5-under 65. He entered the final day one shot behind Jackson Suber as tough wind and rain tested the field. Cauley made his move on the back nine with a birdie on the 11th hole and a 93-foot chip-in birdie on the 12th.
He added two more birdies on the 13th and 15th holes to take control of the tournament. His late charge helped him defeat Matt Fitzpatrick by two shots and stay ahead of players such as Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood.