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 carried even more meaning for Matt Kuchar. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a key figure in his golf journey 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.
PNC Championship ends in tears of joy
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, launched a drive that set up his father for a near-perfect 7-iron to within 18 inches. Matt then let Cameron sink the final putt, capping off an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.
The family-focused event ended with Matt wiping tears from his eyes, his voice cracking as he 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. “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 else out there. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, mentor
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 again at the Masters and U.S. Open the following year. Though no longer on the bag once Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two 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, a loving husband and best friend to my mother, and the best father I could have ever asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad was a man of great character and a true personality.”
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 overall—a tournament record. “This is special, really 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 pic.twitter.com