Honda Classic Tips: Bud Cauley

In the stampede to get to the top of the world game, it’s easy to forget those who lose their way. Five years ago everyone was talking about Bud Cauley as the next ‘big thing’. An outstanding collegiate record was seemingly going to transmogrify into a brilliant professional career but it never did.

Injuries played a part, with Cauley limited to just 21 starts in the past two seasons. Through no fault of he is own he is yesterday’s news but at 26 years of age there is still plenty of time to fulfil his potential.

Cauley has missed 5/9 cuts this season but his T3 at the CareerBuilder Challenge reminded us of his talents. A terrific iron player, he ranks 17th in strokes gained in approaches to the green and although his putting needs to improve the raw materials are there.

PGA National is very much a ball-striker’s course and should suit Cauley’s game despite his two missed cuts at the venue. At 250/1 (Paddy Power) he is a lively outsider with 1/5 odds for a top-7 finish.