Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after the passing of his father.
Winning a golf tournament alongside a family member is always special, but for Matt Kuchar, this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour carried even deeper meaning. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf journey and former playing partner at the same event. Ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in joyful tears
Cameron Kuchar, still in high school, benefited from forward tees and launched a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a precise 7-iron to just 18 inches from the pin. He let Cameron sink the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
The family-focused event ended with Matt wiping tears from his eyes, his voice breaking as he reflected on the absence of 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 and hit a shot. To knock it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, and lifelong supporter
Peter Kuchar was 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 1998 Masters and U.S. Open when Matt played as an amateur. Though he stepped back from caddying when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two even played the PNC Championship together before Peter passed the baton to his 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, my mom’s best friend, 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 great character and a big personality.”
Matt and Cameron played with purpose, 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 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/93dL2JdAUD