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 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 pivotal figure in his golf career and former playing partner at the PNC Championship. Now, ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron Kuchar captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33 under par.
Champions Tour 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 to within 18 inches. He let Cameron sink the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget. As the tournament—centered around fun and family—came to a close, Matt wiped away tears and reflected on the moment without his father. “I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever you believe in—there’s something magical out there,” Kuchar said, voice breaking. “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.”
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 again at the 1998 Masters and U.S. Open. Though he stepped back once Matt turned pro, Peter remained a close 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. “He was a passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, a man of great character and unique 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 and finish at 33 under par—a tournament record. “This is special, very special,” Matt said, visibly moved by 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 pic.twitter.com/hMnHPgM268