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 especially poignant for Matt Kuchar. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf journey and former playing partner at this very event. Ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in tears of joy
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 tournament, known for its family-first atmosphere, 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 an emotional Kuchar. “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 knock it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, and lifelong supporter
Peter Kuchar had been a constant presence in Matt’s life and career. He first caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur win and continued the role at the 1998 Masters and U.S. Open. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a close 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 mother’s best friend, and the best father I could have ever asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad had an amazing character and a unique personality.”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to finish with a 54 and a record-setting 33-under-par total. “This is special, very special,” said a visibly moved 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 pic