‘Father’s Funeral’ Kuchar Withdraws from WM Phoenix Open

Father Peter Passes Away Suddenly at 73
Supported Son to 9 PGA Tour Wins
Alternate Svensson Gets Opportunity to Replace Kuchar

Matt Kuchar (USA) has withdrawn from the PGA Tour WM Phoenix Open.

Matt Kuchar

On the 5th (local time), Kuchar announced that his father, Peter Kuchar, passed away suddenly at the age of 73. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Kuchar immediately informed the tournament organizers of his withdrawal, and the alternate player, Jesper Svensson (Sweden), will take his place.

Kuchar's father, Peter, raised his son to become a top-level golfer with 9 PGA Tour wins. Kuchar was highly regarded during his college years, even being called the "White (Tiger) Woods." After graduation, he worked at a high-paying investment finance company but could not forget golf and became a professional golfer. Peter served as Kuchar's caddie when he won the 1997 US Amateur Championship. He was also an excellent golfer himself, finishing tied for 9th with his son at the 2018 family golf event, the PNC Championship.

Kuchar paid tribute, saying, "My father led me to play the sport of golf. He was a wonderful grandfather, a loving husband, and the best father. He enjoyed all outdoor sports, including pickleball." This year's WM Phoenix Open (total prize money $9.2 million) will be held on the 6th at TPC Scottsdale (par 71, 7,261 yards) in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.