Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after his father’s passing.
Winning alongside a family member is always special, but for Matt Kuchar, this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour was deeply emotional. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf journey and former playing partner at the PNC Championship. Now, nearly a year later, Kuchar triumphed at the same event, this time with his son Cameron, setting a tournament record 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 near-perfect 7-iron approach to just 18 inches. Matt then let Cameron tap in the final putt, sealing an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.
As the tournament—known for its family-centric and fun atmosphere—concluded, Matt Kuchar wiped away tears. His voice broke as he reflected on the emotional weight of the moment: “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 father 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.”
Legacy of a Father, Caddie, and Mentor
Peter Kuchar was a constant presence in Matt’s life and career. He first caddied for his son during Matt’s 1997 U.S. Amateur win and again at the Masters and U.S. Open in 1998. Though he stepped back from caddying when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two even competed together at the PNC Championship 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’ve asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad was a man of great character and a personality all his own.”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding just two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to shoot a 54 and finish at 33-under-par—a new tournament record. “This is special, very special,” an emotional Matt Kuchar said of their 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/93