Bud Cauley was a part of a life-changing car crash in 2018.
Was Bud Cauley Involved in a Car Accident Before? History Explored Amid RBC Canadian Open Triumph
Bud Cauley's life changed on the night of June 1, 2018, after he failed to make the cut at the Memorial Tournament. The golfer was in a car near the Muirfield golf course when he was involved in a horrific car accident. The golfer was only a passenger, but his injuries were severe enough to keep him off the course for several years.
According to the police report, the car veered off the road, then hit a culvert, causing it to fly into the air and collide with a large tree. Cauley was not the only sportsperson in the car, as former NHL player James Wisniewski was also a passenger.
Bud Cauley was just a passenger in the car.
It was later reported that Cauley suffered five to six broken ribs, a punctured lung, a shattered left lung, and a concussion. It took him almost 6 years to recover from all of these injuries and return to the golf course. He made his official return to the PGA Tour at the 2024 WM Phoenix Open.
What Affect of Car Accident Did Bud Cauley Had in His Game?
Bud Cauley took a total of 6 years to eventually make his comeback to the PGA Tour.
Cauley needed extensive operations following the horrific car crash. Doctors used titanium plates to repair the shattered ribs and placed tubes to restore the deflated lungs. Fortunately, his limb healed without requiring any surgery.
The effects of these metallic plates were also felt by Cauley after his return to the PGA, as it has been reported that he had pain at times. According to ESPN, the golfer also addressed the accident as the "scariest night of my life."
Bud Cauley secured a magical win at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open.
From there, the golfer gradually recovered in his life, eventually winning his first PGA Tour event in his 240th appearance on the course. He recently won the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, finishing the tournament with a total score of 17 under par.
Bud Cauley Revealed How He Always Belived He Could Get a PGA Tour Win
Bud Cauley always believed he could win a PGA Tour event.
Cauley stated after his big win at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open that, despite the automobile accident, he believed he could win his first PGA Tour event. The golfer claimed to have discussed it with his wife, who was always supportive.
"I did. Well, there were times when I was hurt that we really weren't sure if I was going to be able to play again. So there were moments and conversations that Kristi and I had where we didn't know if it was going to work out," the golfer stated.
"Once I was able to start playing again and I felt more comfortable with my body and it holding up -- 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," Cauley went on to add.