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 particularly moving for Matt Kuchar. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a key figure in his golf journey and former playing partner at the PNC Championship. Now, ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour family event ends in joyful tears
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 then let Cameron sink the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
The family-focused tournament ended with Matt wiping away tears, his voice breaking 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,” Kuchar said. “I believe in God and that my dad is watching from above. What happened on 18—I could barely stand and make a swing. To hit it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, and lifelong supporter
Peter Kuchar was a constant presence in Matt’s life and golf career. He first caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur victory and continued at the Masters and U.S. Open the following year. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two even played the PNC Championship together before Peter passed the baton to 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’ve asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad was a man of great character and a true personality.”
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 finished with a final-round 54 and a record-setting 33-under-par total. “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