GOLF.AI • Nov 22, 2025

Kuchar's Clutch Putt Saves 19-Year Streak

It was just a single putt on a Friday afternoon at The RSM Classic, but for Matt Kuchar, it carried the weight of a 19-year career. With his streak of holding a PGA TOUR card on the line, the veteran faced a must-make putt on his final hole to make the cut on the number.

The scene was thick with tension. As the ball tracked toward the hole and dropped in, the crowd erupted in a roar that was matched only by the pure relief on Kuchar's face. His smile and wave to the fans captured a moment of veteran grit and nerve, a single shot defining a season and keeping his hopes alive.

This moment of elation served as the perfect emotional counterpoint to the heartbreak of Justin Lower, whose emotional interview after missing the cut and losing his card showcased the brutal reality of the bubble. Where Lower's story showed devastation, Kuchar's putt highlighted the sheer joy of survival.

Even for a millionaire and a long-time TOUR staple, this moment brought the pressure back to the raw fundamentals of keeping a job. It was a powerful reminder that no one is immune to the stress of the cut line, proving that the fight to play on the weekend can be just as thrilling as the fight to win a trophy.