Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten 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 especially emotional for Matt Kuchar. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf career and former playing partner at the PNC Championship. Now, ten months later, Matt triumphed at the same event with his son Cameron, setting a tournament record of 33 under par.
Champions Tour event ends in 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 approach to just 18 inches. He let Cameron sink the final putt, capping off an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.
The family-focused event concluded with Matt wiping away tears, his voice breaking as he reflected on the moment 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, visibly emotional. “I believe in God and that my dad is watching from above. What happened on 18—I could barely stand to hit the shot. To knock 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 golf journey. 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 from caddying when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a close supporter and advisor. The two even 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, loving husband, best friend to my mom, 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 they were destined to win, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles. They shot a 54 in the final round, finishing at 33 under par—a new tournament record. “This is special, really 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/93dL2Jd