Categories
Live

Emotional Victory for Matt Kuchar at PNC Championship

Emotional Victory for Matt Kuchar at PNC Championship
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, months after the passing of his father.

Winning alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour was particularly emotional for Matt Kuchar. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a key figure in his golf career and former playing partner at the PNC Championship. Ten months later, Matt teamed up with his son Cameron to win the event with a record-breaking score of 33 under par.

PNC Championship ends in joyful tears

High schooler Cameron Kuchar, allowed to tee off from forward tees, hit a strong drive before Matt landed a 7-iron just 18 inches from the hole. Matt 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, 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,” he 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. To hit it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”

Father, caddie, mentor

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 as Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two played the PNC Championship together before Peter passed the torch to his grandson Cameron.

Peter Kuchar died suddenly of a heart attack while swimming in February. “He was a wonderful man – an incredible grandfather, a loving husband, my mother’s best friend, and the best dad I could have ever asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my father had great character and a big personality.”

Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding just two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to shoot a 54, finishing at 33 under par – a tournament record. “This is special, very special,” Matt Kuchar said emotionally after their win.