American Matt Kuchar celebrates the 'best year' of his golfing career
Despite late lapse in the Tour Championship, award nominee is proud having won two titles and not missed a cut in 23 starts in 2013
Just like Tiger Woods, Matt Kuchar did not play well at the season-ending Tour Championship after succumbing to a hectic schedule but the American can still reflect on the “best year” of his career on the PGA Tour.
Kuchar won two big events on the US circuit during this year, including his first World Golf Championships (WGC) crown, and was especially proud of his consistency as he made the cut in every one of his 23 starts.
The tall American world number eight piled up earnings of US$5,616,808 to end the season ranked third in the PGA Tour money list, with only Woods (US$8,553,439) and Swede Henrik Stenson (US$6,388,230) above him.
It was a very solid year and I take a lot of pride in not missing a single cut this year. I think that’s a difficult thing to do and shows a high level of consistency
“It’s been my best year to date, having a multiple-win season, a lot of top-10s and no missed cuts,” the softly spoken Kuchar, who is one of five nominees for the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year award to be announced on Friday, told Reuters.
“It was a very solid year and I take a lot of pride in not missing a single cut this year. I think that’s a difficult thing to do and shows a high level of consistency.
“I feel like I nearly played well every week and to come to Atlanta [for the Tour Championship] and to not play well was very disappointing but looking back at the year as a whole, I certainly have a great taste in my mouth.”
Kuchar finished in tie for 26th out of 30 players in the PGA Tour's elite season finale at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta where Woods, his playing partner in the final round, ended up joint 22nd.
Asked what had been the biggest difference in his game during this year, Kuchar replied: "Little by little, I think my game has just gotten better each year and that's been a great progression.