Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional victory at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after the loss of his father.
Winning alongside a family member is always special, but for Matt Kuchar, this year’s PNC Championship was especially poignant. 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, Kuchar triumphed at the same event with his son Cameron, setting a tournament record at 33-under-par.
PNC Championship ends in tears of joy
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, hit a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a 7-iron to within 18 inches of the pin, then let Cameron tap in the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
As the tournament—known for its family-friendly atmosphere—came to a close, Matt Kuchar wiped away tears and 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,” he said. “I believe in God and that my dad is looking down on me. 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.”
Father, caddie, mentor
Peter Kuchar was a constant presence in Matt’s life and golf career. He first caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur victory and again at the Masters and U.S. Open the following year. Though he stepped back once Matt turned pro, Peter remained a supportive figure and even played in the PNC Championship with him 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, my mom’s best friend, and the best father I could’ve asked for,” Matt said at the time. “He loved pickleball and the outdoors, and he had 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 the tournament at 33-under-par—a new 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 pic.twitter.com/hMn