Bud Cauley wins RBC Canadian Open in emotional comeback from near-fatal crash

Bud Cauley of the United States won the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, completing a comeback from a near-fatal car accident that once threatened to end his career.

In the final round at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario (par 70, 7,389 yards), Cauley carded a 5-under-par 65 — six birdies against one bogey — to finish at 17-under 263 and beat runner-up Matt Fitzpatrick of England by two strokes. The winner's prize was $1,764,000 (about 2.4 billion won).

The victory is Cauley's first PGA Tour title in his 239th start since turning professional 15 years ago — a milestone that carries the weight of a brush with death and years of grueling rehabilitation.

Cauley's career was derailed eight years ago when he suffered a serious accident during the 2018 Memorial Tournament. His vehicle rolled over, leaving him with life-threatening injuries that cast serious doubt over whether he would ever play again.

Complications from surgery and treatment kept him off the course for nearly four years, forcing him to suspend all competitive activity. Through persistent pain and concerns about his diminished form, he worked through a systematic rehabilitation program and rebuilt his physical condition before returning to tour.

Back on tour after his long absence, Cauley posted steady scores throughout all four rounds. The standout moment of the final round came at the par-4 12th hole, where he holed a chip shot for birdie to take the outright lead — and he never relinquished it.

Fitzpatrick made a late charge, holing an eagle on the 18th, but could not overtake Cauley's composed finish.

Jackson Suber of the United States, who had held a one-stroke lead through 54 holes, managed only an even-par 70 in the final round and finished in a tie for fourth at 13-under 267.

Kim Ju-hyung closed with a bogey-free 4-under 66, picking up four birdies, to finish at 10-under 270 and tie for 15th alongside Billy Horschel, Doug Kim (both United States) and Robert MacIntyre of Scotland.

Kim showed increasingly precise shot-making as the week progressed, and his error-free focus on the final day earned him $159,250 (about 240 million won).