Bud Cauley Claims Emotional First PGA Tour Victory
Published by Bonnyton Golf Club in Club News · Monday 15 Jun 2026 · 2:15
Bud Cauley produced one of the feel good stories of the PGA Tour season by winning the RBC Canadian Open and securing the first PGA Tour title of his career.
The 36 year old American held his nerve on a dramatic final day at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, closing with an excellent final round of 65 to finish on 17 under par. That was enough to see off a strong chasing pack which included England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, Norway’s Viktor Hovland and several other big names.
For Cauley, this was much more than a tournament win. It came on his 239th PGA Tour start and marked a remarkable comeback after years of injury setbacks. In 2018, he was involved in a serious car accident which left him with five broken ribs, a broken left leg and a collapsed lung. Although he returned to golf later that year, further medical issues kept him away from professional competition for a long period, with his full return only coming in 2024.
His emotion on the 18th green showed exactly what the victory meant. Surrounded by family, Cauley was visibly moved as he reflected on the people who had supported him through the hardest moments of his career.
Matt Fitzpatrick finished alone in second place, two shots behind the winner, after putting together a strong final day challenge. It was another impressive performance from the Englishman, who continues to enjoy an excellent season.
Tommy Fleetwood had started the final round well placed, sitting just two shots off the lead, but he was unable to make the move he needed on Sunday. After an early birdie, a bogey on the 11th halted his momentum and he eventually finished tied 11th on 11 under par.
Viktor Hovland also finished strongly, carding a final round 65 to take third place. Jackson Suber, Brice Garnett, Jimmy Stanger and Jesper Svensson shared fourth place on 13 under.
Cauley’s victory also earned him a place in The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. Suber and Svensson claimed the other two qualifying spots on offer.
It was a memorable week in Canada and a powerful reminder of what persistence, resilience and belief can achieve in golf. Attention now turns to the US Open, where the world’s best players will once again battle for major championship glory.
