Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional victory at the PNC Championship with his son Cameron, ten months after losing his father.
Winning alongside a family member is always special, but for Matt Kuchar, this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour was deeply emotional. 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, Kuchar triumphed at the same event with his son Cameron, setting a tournament record of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in joyful tears
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, playing from forward tees, hit a strong drive before Matt approached to within 18 inches using a 7-iron. Matt let Cameron sink the final putt, closing out an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.
The family-focused event ended with Matt wiping away tears as he reflected on the absence of his father: “I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever you believe in, but there’s something magical out there,” said Kuchar, visibly emotional. “I believe in God and that my dad is watching from above. 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, 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 continued through Matt’s amateur appearances at the Masters and U.S. Open. Though he stepped back as Matt turned pro, Peter remained a close supporter and advisor. The two even played together at the PNC Championship before Peter passed the baton 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 and best friend to my mom, and the best father I could have ever asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad had a great character and was truly one of a kind.”
Matt and Cameron played like they were destined to win. On the final day, they carded just two pars, offsetting them with two eagles to shoot a 54 and finish 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