Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with his son Cameron, ten months after his father’s passing.
Winning a tournament alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour was particularly emotional 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 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 a forward tee placement, hit a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a 7-iron to within 18 inches. He then let Cameron sink the final putt, capping off a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
The family-focused event concluded with Matt wiping tears from his eyes, his voice cracking 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 to hit the shot. 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 win and continued the following year when Matt played the Masters and U.S. Open as an amateur. Though he stepped back from caddying when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a vital supporter and advisor. The two even competed together at the PNC Championship before Peter passed the torch to his 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 and best friend to my mother, and the best father I could have ever asked for,” Matt shared at the time. “An avid 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. On the final day, they recorded just two pars, offset by two eagles, finishing with a round of 54 and a tournament total of 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.