Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after his father’s passing.
Winning alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour had an added layer of emotion for Matt Kuchar. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf career and former PNC Championship partner. Now, ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends with tears of joy
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, hit a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a 7-iron to within 18 inches of the cup. He let Cameron sink the final putt, sealing an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.
The family-focused event concluded with Matt wiping away tears as he reflected on his late father: “I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever you believe in, but there’s something magical out there,” he said, voice trembling. “I believe in God and that my dad is looking down. What happened on 18—I could barely stand to hit the shot. That I hit 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 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 from caddying once Matt turned pro, Peter remained a key supporter and advisor. The two even played the PNC Championship together before Peter passed the torch to 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 have asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad had great character and a personality all his own.”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles. They finished the round with a 54 and the tournament at 33-under-par—a new 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/hMnHPg