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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 his son Cameron, months after losing his father.

Winning alongside a family member is always special, but this year’s PNC Championship on the Champions Tour held deeper meaning 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 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, playing from forward tees, hit a strong drive on the final hole. His father followed with a 7-iron to within 18 inches. Matt then let Cameron sink the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.

The family-focused event concluded 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 it is, but there’s something magical out there,” Kuchar said. “I believe in God and that my dad is looking down on me. 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.”

Peter Kuchar: Father, caddie, mentor

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 again at the Masters and U.S. Open in 1998. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, he remained a close supporter and advisor. The two also played together at the PNC Championship 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 mother’s best friend, and the best dad I could have asked for,” Matt said at the time. “He had great character and was a true 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, setting a new tournament record at 33-under-par. “This is special, very special,” Matt said, visibly moved.