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Emotional Victory for Matt Kuchar at PNC Championship with Son Cameron

Emotional Victory for Matt Kuchar at PNC Championship with Son Cameron
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 his father’s passing.

A win 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 this very event. Now, nearly a year 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, playing from forward tees, hit a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a 7-iron to within 18 inches of the cup, then let Cameron sink the final putt—sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.

The family-focused event ended with Matt wiping away tears, his voice cracking as he reflected on the absence of his father: “I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever it is—but there’s something magical out there,” he said. “I believe in God and that my dad is watching from above. What happened on 18… I could barely stand. To hit it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”

Father, caddie, mentor—and legacy

Peter Kuchar was a constant presence in Matt’s life and career. He caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur win and again at the Masters and U.S. Open in 1998. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, he remained a loyal supporter and advisor. The two had played the PNC Championship together before Peter passed the torch to grandson Cameron.

Peter Kuchar died suddenly of a heart attack while swimming in February. “He was a wonderful man—an incredible grandfather, loving husband, and the best father I could have asked for,” Matt said at the time. “He was a passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman with 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 and finish at 33-under-par—a tournament record. “This is special, very special,” said an emotional Matt Kuchar after the win.