Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after the passing of his father.
Winning a tournament with a family member is always special, but for Matt Kuchar, this year’s PNC Championship was deeply emotional. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf journey and former playing partner at the same event. Now, ten months later, Matt triumphed alongside his son Cameron, setting a tournament record at 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in tears of joy
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, launched a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed up with a 7-iron approach to just 18 inches. He let Cameron sink the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
The family-focused tournament concluded with Matt wiping away tears, his voice breaking as he reflected on the moment: “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 to hit the shot, and to knock it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, and lifelong supporter
Peter Kuchar had been 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 in 1998. Though he stepped back as Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two had played the PNC Championship together before Peter passed the torch to grandson Cameron.
Peter Kuchar died suddenly in February from a heart attack while swimming. “He was a wonderful man – an incredible grandfather, a loving husband, my mother’s best friend, and the best father I could’ve ever asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad had tremendous character and a one-of-a-kind personality.”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to shoot 54. Their 33-under-par total set a new tournament record. “This is special, very special,” said an emotional Matt Kuchar after the win.
“I know Pops is giving big fist pumps up in the sky.”
Memories from the past and memories being made.
Matt Kuchar shares how special @PNCchampionship has been to his family. https://t.co/93dL2JdAUD pic.twitter.com/h