Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional victory at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after losing his father.
Winning a tournament alongside a family member is always special, but for Matt Kuchar, this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour was deeply emotional. 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 with his son Cameron, setting a tournament record of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in tears of joy
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from a forward tee position, launched a drive that set up his father for a stunning 7-iron approach to just 18 inches. Matt then gave Cameron the honor of sinking the final putt, closing out an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.
The family-focused tournament ended with Matt wiping away tears, his voice cracking 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,” Kuchar said. “I believe in God and that my dad is looking down on me. What happened on 18—I could barely stand and swing. To hit it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more 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. While 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 torch to his grandson Cameron.
Peter Kuchar passed away 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 asked for,” Matt said at the time. “He was a passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, a man of great character and a true personality.”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding just two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to finish with a 54 and a tournament-record 33-under-par. “This is special, very special,” an emotional Matt Kuchar said of their victory.
“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