Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after the death of his father.
Winning alongside a family member is always special, but for Matt Kuchar, this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour carried even deeper meaning. In early 2025, Kuchar lost his father, Peter Kuchar, a pivotal figure in his golf journey and former playing partner at the PNC Championship. Now, ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron captured the title with a tournament-record score of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in joyful tears
High schooler Cameron Kuchar, playing from forward tees, hit a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed with a 7-iron to within 18 inches of the hole. He gave Cameron the honor of sinking the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
The family-focused tournament 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 something else, 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. That I hit it to a foot makes me believe there’s something more. I just miss you, Pops.”
Father, caddie, and lifelong supporter
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 the following year at the Masters and U.S. Open. Though no longer on the bag once Matt turned pro, Peter remained a steadfast supporter and advisor. The two competed together at the PNC Championship 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 and best friend to my mom, and the best father I could have ever asked for,” Matt said at the time. “A passionate pickleball player and outdoorsman, my dad had great character and a personality all his own.”
Matt and Cameron played like they were destined to win. On the final day, they carded just two pars, offset by two eagles, finishing with a round of 54 and a record-setting 33-under-par total. “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