Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after the passing of his father.
Winning a tournament alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship 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 teamed up with his son Cameron to win the event with a record-breaking 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 precise approach with a 7-iron to just 18 inches. Matt let Cameron sink the final putt, capping off an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.
The family-focused tournament concluded with Matt wiping tears from his eyes, his voice cracking as he reflected on what the win meant without 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 Kuchar. “I believe in God and that my dad is watching from above. What happened on 18—I could barely stand, let alone hit a shot. That I hit it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, mentor, and legacy
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 at the Masters and U.S. Open the following year. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a supportive figure and even played in the PNC Championship alongside his son before passing 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 and best friend to my mom, and the best father I could’ve ever asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoor enthusiast, my dad had great character and a personality all his own.”
Matt and Cameron played as if destined to win, 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.
“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