Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional victory at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after his father’s passing.
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 PNC Championship. 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
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, launched a drive that set up his father’s approach with a 7-iron to just 18 inches. Matt then gave Cameron the honor of sinking 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 breaking 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 that exists,\” said Kuchar. \”I believe in God and that my dad is looking down on me. What happened on 18, I could barely stand and hit a shot. To knock it to a foot makes me believe there’s something greater out there. I just miss you, Pops.\”
Father, caddie, mentor
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 Masters and U.S. Open in 1998. 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. \”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 was a man of great character and a true personality.\”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, 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 new 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