Matt Kuchar will not be participating in the WM Phoenix Open this week as originally planned. The veteran PGA Tour golfer made the decision to withdraw from the event on Tuesday following the unexpected passing of his father, Peter, at the age of 73.
“My Pop was a huge sports fan and instilled in me a love for competition,” shared Matt Kuchar in a statement to the Golf Channel. “He was an amazing individual — a fantastic grandfather, a devoted husband and my mother’s best friend, and the greatest father I could have asked for. Pop enjoyed playing pickleball and being outdoors, and he was a man of integrity and a unique personality in his own right.
“He introduced me to the game of golf, a bond that will always connect us. Those memories, among many others, will forever remain with me and our family. His absence will be deeply felt. We appreciate the understanding and privacy as we mourn together as a family.”
Details surrounding his passing have not been disclosed at this time. Jesper Svensson has taken Matt Kuchar’s spot in the tournament at TPC Scottsdale.
Peter has been a constant presence in Matt’s golfing journey. He caddied for his son when he claimed victory at the 1997 U.S. Amateur, and they competed together in the T9 finish at the PNC Championship in 2018. Peter could often be seen supporting Matt from the galleries during his Tour events.
Matt has secured nine PGA Tour wins throughout his career, with his most recent triumph at the 2019 Sony Open in Hawaii. Last season, he achieved only one top-10 finish at the 3M Open, landing in third place. He has participated in four Ryder Cup teams for the United States and has also served as a vice-captain for the U.S. squad on multiple occasions.
There is currently no timeline for Matt’s return to the Tour. Following the WM Phoenix Open, the Tour will conclude its West Coast swing with the Genesis Invitational in San Diego next week, followed by the Mexico Championship in Puerto Vallarta the week after.