'Matt Kuchar Withdraws from Phoenix Open Following Father's Passing'
Matt Kuchar pulled out of the WM Phoenix Open on Wednesday after his father's passing.
Peter Kuchar unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday at 73 years old, as confirmed by his son to GolfChannel.com.
Peter Kuchar served as Matt's caddie when he won the 1997 U.S. Amateur and was a regular in the PGA Tour crowds.
\"My Pop was a huge fan of sports and instilled in me a love for competition,\" said Matt Kuchar in a statement. \"He was an amazing person - a fantastic grandfather, a devoted husband and my mother's best friend, and the greatest father I could have asked for. An avid pickleball player and outdoorsman, Pop was a man of great integrity and a unique character in his own right.
\"He was the one who introduced me to golf, a bond that will always remain between us. Those memories, and many more, will stay with me and our family forever. He will be deeply missed. We appreciate the support and privacy as we mourn as a family.\"
Matt Kuchar, now 46, has won nine times on the PGA Tour.
He was replaced in this week's tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona by Jesper Svensson of Sweden.
