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Golf World Stunned: Former PGA Tour Pro Dies Suddenly at 45
Remembering Matt McQuillan: A Canadian Golf Star Gone Too Soon
Who Was Matt McQuillan?
Matt McQuillan was a professional golfer from Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He played on the PGA Tour—the biggest league for golf in the world. Sadly, he passed away on August 5 at the young age of 45, surrounded by his family at Kingston General Hospital.
Important Points to Remember
- Matt was a proud Canadian who made it to the highest level of professional golf.
- He was known not just for his skill, but for his kindness, humor, and love for teaching the game.
- His sudden passing at 45 has left the golf community heartbroken.
His Journey to the PGA Tour
Making it to the PGA Tour is like making it to the Olympics or the NHL—it’s incredibly hard. Here’s how Matt did it:
- Started Young: His dad, Mark, introduced him to golf at age 10 at the Garrison Golf and Curling Club in Kingston.
- Junior Star: He won many Canadian junior championships growing up.
- College Golf: He played for two powerhouse universities: Oklahoma State and University of Georgia.
- Team Canada: He represented his country in international competitions.
- Turning Pro: He became a professional golfer in 2003.
- The Big Break: In 2010, he earned his "Tour Card" (his ticket to play on the PGA Tour) through Q-School—a grueling qualifying tournament.
His Best Year on Tour (2011)
2011 was Matt’s rookie year on the PGA Tour, and he made it count.
- Played in 21 tournaments
- Made the cut (played the weekend) 7 times
- Earned $582,933 in prize money
Top Finishes That Year
| Tournament | Finish | Cool Fact |
|---|---|---|
| John Deere Classic | Tied for 3rd | Shot an amazing 64 (8 under par) in the final round! |
| Reno-Tahoe Open | Tied for 6th | Another strong top-10 finish. |
Matt’s Own Words (2011):
"It’s been a long time coming, but I convinced myself I was working on the right things and it was going to click any day, and just happened to be this tournament."
He said this after tying with major champion Zach Johnson and finishing just five shots behind the winner, Steve Stricker.
Early Life and Amateur Success
Before the bright lights of the PGA Tour, Matt built a legendary amateur resume:
- Learned from Dad: Father Mark taught him the swing at age 10.
- Junior Dominator: Won "many" Canadian junior titles.
- College Standout: Played at Oklahoma State (famous for golf greats like Rickie Fowler) and University of Georgia.
- Maple Leaf on Chest: Proudly wore the Team Canada jersey in international events.
Professional Career Highlights
Matt didn’t just appear on the PGA Tour overnight. He paid his dues on smaller tours first.
- 2003: Turned professional.
- 2005: Won the Edmonton Open on the Canadian Tour.
- He shot 66-66 on the weekend (that’s really, really good).
- He beat Graham DeLaet (a future PGA Tour winner) by 6 shots—and DeLaet was still an amateur at the time!
Life After Competitive Golf
Even after his full-time playing days slowed down, Matt never left the game.
- Teaching Pro: He worked as a teaching professional.
- Growing the Game: He spent his time "happily introducing the game to the next generation of avid Canadian golfers."
- Mentor: Friends and family say he mentored "anyone who loved the game of golf."
Tributes and Legacy
An online obituary painted a beautiful picture of the man behind the golfer:
"Matty was a respected golfer, devoted son, hilarious brother, and friend… His passion and talent grew immensely. Starting as a junior on the Canadian Tour and making it to the PGA in 2011, Matt developed lifelong friendships while mentoring anyone who loved the game of golf. He will be deeply missed by many and his spirit, love and compassion will be remembered every day. Rest easy, Matty. We love you."
Summary
Matt McQuillan (1979–2024) was a Kingston native who chased his dream all the way to the PGA Tour. After a standout junior and college career, he earned his card in 2010. His rookie season in 2011 was a dream come true, highlighted by a final-round 64 and a 3rd place finish at the John Deere Classic. Beyond the scores and money ($582k+ in 2011), Matt was beloved as a teacher, mentor, funny brother, and devoted son. He passed away at 45, leaving a legacy of kindness and passion for Canadian golf.
FAQ
What is the PGA Tour?
Think of it as the Major Leagues of golf. It’s where the best players in the world compete every week for big trophies and millions of dollars.
What is Q-School?
Qualifying School (Q-School) is a super intense, multi-stage tournament. If you finish high enough, you "earn your card"—meaning you get to play on the PGA Tour for the next season. It’s often called the "hardest test in golf."
What does "making the cut" mean?
Most pro tournaments last 4 days (Thursday–Sunday). After 2 days (Friday), they cut the field roughly in half. Only players with the lowest scores get to play the weekend (Saturday & Sunday) and earn money. Making the cut = you had a good week.
Is shooting a 64 good?
Yes, incredibly good! On a standard course (Par 72), a 64 is 8-under-par. That means Matt played the course 8 shots better than a "perfect" expert round. Doing it in the final round to climb the leaderboard is clutch.
Who was Graham DeLaet?
Graham DeLaet is another famous Canadian golfer who went on to win on the PGA Tour and play in the Presidents Cup for the International Team. Beating him by 6 shots as a pro (while DeLaet was still an amateur) was a huge early sign of Matt’s talent.
