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Emotional Victory for Matt Kuchar at PNC Championship with Son Cameron

Emotional Victory for Matt Kuchar at PNC Championship with Son Cameron
Matt and Cameron Kuchar secured an emotional victory at the PNC Championship (Photo: Getty)

Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after losing his father.

Winning alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour carried deeper meaning for Matt Kuchar. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf journey and former playing partner at the PNC Championship. Now, ten months later, Kuchar triumphed with his own son, Cameron, setting a tournament record at 33-under-par.

PNC Championship ends in tears of joy

High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, launched a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a 7-iron to within 18 inches. He let Cameron sink the final putt, capping off an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.

The family-focused event ended with Matt wiping away tears and struggling to speak about what the win meant without his father. “I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever you believe in, but there’s something magical out there,” Kuchar said. “I believe in God and that my dad is looking down on me. What happened on 18—I could barely stand and swing. To hit it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”

Father, caddie, and lifelong supporter

Peter Kuchar was a constant presence in Matt’s life and career. He first caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur win and again at the Masters and U.S. Open the following year. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a close supporter and advisor. The two had played the PNC Championship together before Peter passed the torch to grandson Cameron.

Peter Kuchar died suddenly of a heart attack while swimming in February. “He was a wonderful man—an incredible grandfather, loving husband, my mom’s best friend, and the best father I could’ve asked for,” Matt said at the time. “He loved pickleball and the outdoors, and had a character all his own.”

Matt and Cameron played like they were destined to win. They made just two pars on the final day, offset by two eagles, finishing with a 54 and a record-setting 33-under for the tournament. “This is special, very special,” said an emotional Matt Kuchar.