Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional victory at the PNC Championship with his son Cameron, ten months after losing his father.
Winning a tournament alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour carried even deeper meaning 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. Now, nearly a year later, Kuchar triumphed at the same tournament with his son Cameron, setting a new record at 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in joyful tears
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, hit a strong drive on the final hole, setting up his father for a precise 7-iron approach to within 18 inches. Matt then gave Cameron the honor of sinking the final putt, capping off a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
As the tournament—known for its family-oriented and fun atmosphere—came to a close, Matt Kuchar wiped away tears and struggled to speak about 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,” he said, voice breaking. “I believe in God and that my dad is watching from above. What happened on 18, I could barely stand and hit a shot, and to knock it to a foot… it makes me believe there’s something more. 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 he stepped back from caddying when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two even played together in previous editions of the PNC Championship before Peter passed the torch to his grandson, Cameron.
Peter Kuchar died suddenly in February from a heart attack while swimming. It was a devastating and unexpected moment for the family. “He was a wonderful man—an incredible grandfather, a loving husband and best friend to my mom, and the best father I could have ever asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad had a tremendous character and was truly one of a kind.”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to shoot a 54, finishing the tournament at 33-under-par—a new record. “This is special, very special,” said an emotional Matt Kuchar.
“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