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Matt Kuchar wins emotional PNC Championship with son Cameron

Matt Kuchar wins emotional PNC Championship with son Cameron
Matt and Cameron Kuchar secured an emotional win at the PNC Championship on the Champions Tour (Photo: Getty)

Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional victory at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, honoring his late father.

Winning alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour was particularly emotional for Matt Kuchar. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a key figure in his golf journey and a former playing partner at this very event. Ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33-under-par.

Family-first event ends in tears of joy

High schooler Cameron Kuchar, playing from forward tees, hit a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a 7-iron approach 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 tournament concluded with Matt wiping away tears, 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, but something magical exists,” 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 hit it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”

Peter Kuchar: 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 when Matt turned pro, he remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two even competed together at the PNC Championship 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, loving husband, and the best father I could ever ask for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, he had a great character and a big 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-par—a new tournament record. “This is special, very special,” said an emotional Matt Kuchar after the win.