Bud Cauley got in a horrific accident in June 2018. It was Friday of the Memorial Tournnament. He broke six ribs and was away from the Tour for good for 2 to 3 seasons. It was indeed a difficult phase. What kept him going was probably his loved ones. Anyways, he returned to the competitive scene last year at the Phoenix Open. He recently explained the accident as life-altering, which, honestly, it was. But then he said that something else happened in life that was actually “really life-altering.” The latter was having a couple of kids.

The Jacksonville-area native and his wife, Kristi, got married in 2021. Cauley expressed his overwhelming happiness: “Kristi, I love you so much. You make me feel like the luckiest guy in the world. We’re MARRIED!” The couple welcomed their first child, Cooper William Cauley, on November 14, 2022, at 9:54 pm. 

They announced the joyful news with a heartfelt social media post declaring, “We will never be the same!” Little Cooper arrived just before his due date, bringing immeasurable joy to the couple who had endured so much during Bud’s recovery period. The arrival of his son provided powerful new motivation for Cauley as he continued his journey back to professional golf.

Kristi and Cauley welcomed their second son, Miles Henry Cauley, on January 30th, 2025, at 7:46 pm. The couple was over the moon and expressed that they are “so in love with our two boys!!” Miles was just 6 lb 4 oz and 20 inches tall when he was born. Welcoming Miles was a moment of happy tears for the parents. They shared images of them enjoying the precious moment with tears in their eyes, and smiles on their faces.

His wife’s support has been crucial through every step of his journey, and its only fair to know more about her. 

Kristi Cauley: The unwavering support behind the comeback

Kristi McDonald Cauley, born September 23, 1994, in Miami, Florida, has been the rock in Bud’s life through unimaginable challenges. A University of Florida journalism graduate, she currently works as the Digital Marketing and Relations Coordinator at TGR, Tiger Woods Ventures. The couple’s love story reached a milestone when Bud proposed on Christmas Day 2019, sharing the happy moment on Instagram with a simple “She said yes!” caption. 

Her support extends far beyond emotional encouragement. During Bud’s recovery from his accident, her sharp attention potentially saved his life when she noticed a serious medical complication, saying, “Your shirt is kind of wet,” before discovering a hole in the side of his chest that required immediate medical attention. Throughout his challenging journey back to professional golf, Kristi has remained by his side, providing unwavering support through his recovery and comeback to the PGA Tour.

As Cauley strives for his first PGA Tour victory, do you think his family perspective gives him an edge as he pursues this milestone achievement?