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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, 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 carried even deeper meaning. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf journey and former playing partner at this very event. Now, ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33-under-par.

PNC Championship ends in tears and triumph

High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, launched a drive that set up his father for a stunning 7-iron approach to just 18 inches. Matt then let Cameron sink the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.

The family-focused event concluded 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,\” said Kuchar. \”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.\”

Legacy of a father, caddie, and mentor

Peter Kuchar was a constant presence in Matt’s life and golfing career. He first caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur win and continued the following year at the Masters and U.S. Open. Though he stepped back as Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two even played the PNC Championship together before Peter passed the torch to grandson Cameron.

Peter Kuchar died suddenly in February from a heart attack while swimming. \”He was a wonderful man—an incredible grandfather, a loving husband, my mom’s best friend, and the best father I could’ve asked for,\” Matt said at the time. \”He loved pickleball and the outdoors. He had great character and a big personality.\”

Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to shoot a 54, finishing at 33-under-par—a new tournament record. \”This is special, very special,\” said an emotional Matt Kuchar after their win.