Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional victory at the PNC Championship with his son Cameron, ten months after his father’s passing.
Winning 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 the PNC Championship. Ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron triumphed at the same event, setting a tournament record 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 for a near-perfect 7-iron approach to just 18 inches. Matt gave Cameron the honor of sinking the final putt, capping off a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
The family-focused event ended with Matt wiping away tears and struggling to speak as he reflected on the absence of his father. “I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever it is, but 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, let alone swing. To hit it to a foot… it 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 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 from caddying when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two even competed together in past PNC Championships before Peter passed the torch to his grandson Cameron.
Peter Kuchar died suddenly of a heart attack while swimming in February. “He was a wonderful man—an incredible grandfather, a loving husband, my mom’s best friend, and the best dad I could’ve asked for,” Matt said at the time. “He loved pickleball and the outdoors. He had 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. Their 33-under-par total set a new tournament record. “This is special, very special,” an emotional Matt Kuchar said 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