Matt Kuchar claimed an emotional win at the PNC Championship with son Cameron, ten months after the passing of his father.
Winning a tournament 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 this very event. Now, ten months later, Matt and his son Cameron captured the title with a record score of 33-under-par.
Champions Tour event ends in joyful tears
Cameron Kuchar, still a high school student, benefited from forward tees and delivered a strong drive on the final hole. Matt followed up with a 7-iron to within 18 inches. He then let Cameron sink the final putt, sealing a week the Kuchar family will never forget.
The family-focused tournament concluded with Matt wiping away tears, his voice breaking as he reflected on the absence of his father: \”I don’t know if you believe in karma, in fate, or whatever you believe in—there’s something magical out there,\” said Kuchar, visibly emotional. \”I believe in God and that my father 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 out there. 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 again at the Masters and U.S. Open in 1998. Though he stepped back when Matt turned pro, Peter remained a trusted advisor and supporter. The two even played together in past PNC Championships 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, carding only two pars on the final day and offsetting them with two eagles to shoot a 54. Their 33-under-par total set a new tournament record. \”This is special, very special,\” 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