Rookie Bud Cauley finding his way on the PGA Tour

21-year old PGA Tour rookie Bud Cauley, had all the game in the world playing his collegiate golf at the University of Alabama.

Cauley was a three-time GolfWeek All-American for the Crimson Tide in his threes at the university. Where he was also a finalist for the Hogan Award, which is given to the best college golfer of the year.

Many thought he would forgo his senior year at Alabama, to pursue his dream of playing professional golf -- He did.

Cauley accomplished something that only a handful of golfers had done before him. He was able to secure a spot on the PGA Tour without having to go through the Tour's dreaded Q-School.

The now former Crimson Tide player, was able to win $735,150 in eight starts on the PGA Tour in 2011, through sponsors exemptions. That amount would have put him at the 116th spot on the money list for the year. Thus, securing his card for 2012.

Accomplishing that feat, Cauley joined the likes of Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Justin Leonard who have avoided going to q-school and straight to the PGA Tour.

Now came the 2012 PGA Tour season for Cauley. Could and would his game transfer to the biggest stage in golf?

Playing in four events so far in the 2012 season, Cauley has made the cut in all four events.

He finished in a tie for 29th place at the Sony Open in Hawaii, a T30 at the Humana Challenge, his first top-15 finish (T13) at the Farmers Insurance Open and a tie for 50th at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Making cuts is what rookies have to do on the PGA Tour. Every bit of money they earn is so vital for them to ensure themselves of keeping their card for another year.

To date in 2012 through four events, Cauley has earned $175,993.21, which has him currently in the 49th position on the PGA Tour money list.

The season is far from over for Cauley and his rookie year on the PGA Tour.

Though watching this young man's game through his first four events in 2012, I believe his game speaks for itself.

Cauley is a great ball striker, he is not afraid to go after pins and plays within himself; as well as his game, on his way to making the cut in his first four events of the season. Making them, and the start to his rookie year a success.

He seems to have everything in perspective for a 21-year old rookie on the PGA Tour.

Combine that with the overall strength of his game, I believe we will see and hear a lot more from Cauley during the 2012 season.