Bud Cauley claimed his first PGA Tour win at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, finishing with a final score of 17 under par after a closing round of 65 on June 14 or 15 in Canada [1, 2]. Cauley edged out strong contenders including Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and Wyndham Clark to take the title [1].
This victory also earned Cauley a spot in the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, set to take place weeks later in June 2026 [1, 2]. It marks a significant milestone after Cauley’s long road back from a serious car accident in June 2018 that left him hospitalized with multiple broken bones, a collapsed lung, and a concussion [1, 2].
Following the accident, Cauley underwent several surgeries and was forced to pause tournament golf from September 2020 until February 2024 due to complications and recovery needs [2]. He started regaining competitive form with a top-5 finish in October 2024 and continued to build momentum into the 2025 PGA Tour season, posting four top-10 finishes over 22 starts [2].
Cauley’s breakthrough win at the Canadian Open highlights his return to peak performance after nearly two years off competitive golf and several years of gradual recovery [1, 2]. The 65 in the final round sealed his victory and propelled him into the major championship stage at the U.S. Open later this month [1, 2]. His next challenge will be on full display at Shinnecock Hills, where the 2026 U.S. Open begins shortly after his Canadian Open victory.
