Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with his son Cameron, months after the passing of his father.
Winning alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour was especially poignant 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. Ten months later, Matt triumphed at the same event with his son Cameron, setting a tournament record of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in tears of joy
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, playing from forward tees, launched a drive that set up his father for a precise 7-iron to within 18 inches. Matt let Cameron sink the final putt, capping off a week the Kuchar family will never forget. As the final putt dropped, Matt wiped away tears and reflected on the emotional weight of the moment. “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 to hit the shot. To knock it to a foot? There’s something more out there. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, mentor
Peter Kuchar had been a constant presence in Matt’s life and career. He first caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur win and continued the role 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 father-son duo even played together in past PNC Championships 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, a loving husband, my mom’s best friend, and the best father I could have asked for,” Matt said at the time. “He loved pickleball and the outdoors and had a character all his own.”
Matt and Cameron played like champions, carding just two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to shoot a 54 and finish at 33-under-par—a tournament record. “This is special, really 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/hMnHPg