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 especially 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, 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, benefiting from forward tees, hit a strong drive on the final hole, setting up his father for a 7-iron approach to just 18 inches. Matt let Cameron sink the final putt, closing an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.
The family-focused event ended with Matt wiping away tears, his voice cracking as he reflected on the absence of his father: “I don’t know if you believe in karma, fate, or whatever you believe in, but there’s something magical out there,” said Kuchar. “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 golf career. He first caddied for Matt during his 1997 U.S. Amateur win and again at the Masters and U.S. Open in 1998. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a close supporter and advisor. The two even 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 father 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 like champions, carding just two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles. They finished the round with a 54 and a tournament-record 33-under-par. “This is special, very special,” said an emotional Matt Kuchar.
“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/hMnHPgM268