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Emotional Victory for Matt Kuchar at PNC Championship

Emotional Victory for Matt Kuchar at PNC Championship
Matt and Cameron Kuchar secured an emotional win at the PNC Championship (Photo: Getty)

Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after his father’s passing.

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 former playing partner at the PNC Championship. Now, ten months later, Kuchar and his son Cameron captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33 under par.

PNC Championship ends in tears of joy

High schooler Cameron Kuchar, benefiting from a forward tee placement, hit a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a 7-iron to within 18 inches. He let Cameron sink the final putt, closing out a week the Kuchar family will never forget.

The family-focused event ended with Matt wiping away tears, his voice cracking as he reflected on the moment. \”I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever you believe in, 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 to hit the shot. To hit it to a foot 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 caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur win and again at the 1998 Masters and U.S. Open. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a close supporter and advisor. The two played the PNC Championship together 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, best friend to my mom, and the best dad I could have asked for,\” Matt said at the time. \”A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad had great character and a big personality.\”

Matt and Cameron played with determination, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to shoot a 54, finishing at 33-under — a new tournament record. \”This is special, very special,\” said an emotional Matt Kuchar after the win.