Matt Kuchar Reflects on Father’s Death Amid Players Championship

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Matt Kuchar is still grappling with the loss of his father, Peter Kuchar, who passed away on February 4 at the age of 73 from a heart attack while on a cruise. Kuchar, 46, is competing this week at The Players Championship, an event his father cherished, making the emotional toll of his absence particularly profound.

Peter Kuchar died suddenly during a trip to St. Bart’s to celebrate his wife Meg’s 70th birthday. The devastating news has left an indelible mark on Matt, who shared fond memories of his father with fans during the tournament.

“This is new for me to have somebody as close as my father pass,” Kuchar said after shooting a third-round 73. “A lot of little things pop up that trigger emotions I wasn’t ready for.”

During the week of The Players, Kuchar has encountered fans inquiring about his father, unaware of his passing. “People today were asking, ‘How’s your Dad doing?’ That’s a tricky conversation to have while playing golf,” he noted.

Kuchar’s last interaction with his father was a FaceTime call on the day before his death. “Everybody was in good spirits,” Kuchar recalled, adding that they were enjoying their vacation when the tragedy struck. Peter had planned the trip, a long-time dream of his. The suddenness of the loss has rendered Kuchar reflective.

“The best advice I’ve heard is that as time goes by, you stop thinking about the things you missed and remember what you did get to do,” Kuchar said, acknowledging the grief that is still fresh. He stressed the importance of focusing on the cherished memories they’ve shared.

Peter Kuchar was not only a father but an integral part of Matt’s career, guiding him through significant milestones. He caddied for Matt during his U.S. Amateur victory in 1997 and remained a steadfast supporter throughout his professional journey.

“My dad was there when I won the U.S. Amateur, the Players Championship, and even the bronze medal in the Olympics in 2016,” Kuchar reflected. “He was there for all my biggest events.”

The emotional weight of competing without his father this week has made tournament play feel surreal for Kuchar. “This week is strange to be at The Players without my Dad here,” he expressed. “He loved this tournament. He couldn’t wait for it every year.”

While Kuchar’s on-course performance has been affected, his focus remains on healing from this significant loss. He sits with a best finish of tied for 21st at the Sony Open earlier this season, but the emotional strain has also made navigating this tournament challenging.

In a heartfelt social media post, Kuchar’s daughter, Rebecca, shared a personal tribute to her grandfather, highlighting the love and joy Peter spread throughout his life. “Even after 51 years of marriage, they were best friends, soulmates, inseparable,” she wrote. “It ended with a swim together in St. Bart’s. His heart gave out.”

As Kuchar continues to process the loss, he emphasizes the priceless memories that remind him of his father’s love and support. “Probably the thing I’ll miss most is Dad not seeing the boys grow up,” he lamented, referring to his sons, Cameron and Carson.

Peter Kuchar’s influence is a lasting legacy. As he competes this week at the demanding TPC Sawgrass, Kuchar is keenly aware that every shot reminds him of his father: “It’s kind of a little bit of therapy to do something like golf,” he said.