From Car Crash Survivor to Players Championship Contender: Bud Cauley's Remarkable Journey at TPC Sawgrass
Bud Cauley, currently ranked 251st in the world, finds himself one stroke behind leader J.J. Spaun heading into the final round of the Players Championship after shooting an impressive 66 in challenging windy conditions at TPC Sawgrass.
Cauley's journey to this point is remarkable. In 2018, he survived a life-threatening car accident that left him with six broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a fractured leg. After returning to play briefly, complications from his injuries forced him to step away from golf in September 2020 for over three years.
His comeback began at a Korn Ferry event in January 2024, followed by his PGA Tour return at the WM Phoenix Open in February. He only secured his spot in this week's Players Championship as a last-minute alternate on Monday.
Growing up near TPC Sawgrass, Cauley attended numerous Players Championships as a spectator. Now, he has a chance to win the prestigious event and its $4.5 million first-place prize – nearly half of his career earnings over 14 years.
When asked about life-altering experiences, Cauley puts things in perspective: "Well, I thought the car accident was life altering, and then we had a couple kids and that was really life altering." His wife Kristi has been instrumental in his comeback, encouraging him when he considered quitting the sport.
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"It makes you appreciate things a lot more," Cauley reflects. "And yeah, as far as even my golf goes, it does put that in perspective. When I do have bad days, it's not the end of the world. Just come out and try again tomorrow."