Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after his father’s passing.
Winning a golf tournament is always special, but doing so alongside a family member adds another layer of meaning. That was certainly the case for Matt Kuchar at this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour. Just ten months after the sudden passing of his father, Peter Kuchar, Matt teamed up with his son Cameron to win the family-focused event with a record-breaking score of 33-under-par.
PNC Championship ends in tears of joy
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from forward tees, launched a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed it up with a precise 7-iron approach to just 18 inches. He then gave Cameron the honor of sinking the final putt, sealing a week full of unforgettable memories for the Kuchar family.
As the final putt dropped, Matt Kuchar wiped away tears and struggled to speak about what the victory meant without his father. “I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever it is, but there’s something magical out there,” he said. “I believe in God and that my dad is watching from above. What happened on 18… I could barely stand, and to hit it to a foot—it makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, mentor: Remembering Peter Kuchar
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 continued to support him at the Masters and U.S. Open the following year. Though he stepped back from caddying when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a trusted advisor and supporter. The duo even played together at previous PNC Championships before Peter passed the torch to his grandson Cameron.
Peter Kuchar died suddenly in February 2025 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 have asked for,” Matt said at the time. “He was a passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, a man of great character and personality.”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles. They finished the round with a 54, securing 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