8. Bud Cauley (USA, Age 20)
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Bud Cauley is quickly rising up the ranks of world golf since turning professional this year.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a stellar college career at the University of Alabama where he established himself as a future star of the game.
He was a three-time first-team Golfweek All-American during his three years at Alabama. After finishing his junior year, Cauley qualified for the 2011 U.S. Open and decided to turn professional, foregoing his senior season.
He started his professional career promisingly and did not miss a cut in his first four PGA Tour events which included a tied for fourth at this year’s Viking Classic.
Cauley also made the cut at this year’s U.S. Open, finishing tied for 63rd. Recently, he continued his impressive season on the PGA Tour with a third place finish at the Frys.com Open and a tie for 15th in the McGladrey Classic.
He has steadily climbed his way up to 240th in the world rankings