The golf world is mourning the loss of former PGA Tour golfer Matt McQuillan, who has died at the age of 45.
McQuillan, a native of Kingston, Ontario, built a professional career that eventually took him to the PGA Tour, where he enjoyed several memorable moments during his rookie season. He died on August 5, 2026, at Kingston General Hospital, surrounded by family.
From Kingston To The PGA Tour
McQuillan’s journey in professional golf began years before he reached the biggest stage.
He turned professional in 2003 after playing college golf at Oklahoma State University and the University of Georgia. He competed on the Canadian Tour before beginning his pursuit of PGA Tour status.
In 2010, McQuillan successfully made his way through the PGA Tour qualifying process, earning his card for the 2011 season. It was the culmination of years of work and a major achievement for the Kingston golfer.
Sad news from the Kingston golf community. Former PGA player Matt McQuillan has died at age 45. In 2011 as a rookie McQuillan had three top-ten finishes on the PGA Tour. https://t.co/mZOHZSGuUt pic.twitter.com/zMFDNyXeed
— Mark Potter (@mpott43) August 7, 2026
His Breakthrough 2011 Season
McQuillan made an immediate impression during his rookie season.
His biggest moment came at the 2011 John Deere Classic, where he finished tied for third. The performance earned him $261,000, making it the best finish of his PGA Tour career.
That was not his only strong result that year. McQuillan recorded three top-10 finishes during his rookie campaign, establishing himself as a player capable of competing against some of the best golfers in the world.
His PGA Tour career continued into 2012, when he made 11 starts and recorded two cuts, including a T72 finish at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and a T75 finish at the RBC Canadian Open.
He Continued Playing After The PGA Tour
Although his time on the PGA Tour eventually came to an end, McQuillan remained committed to professional golf.
He continued competing on PGA Tour Canada and remained closely connected to the sport in his hometown.
In more recent years, he worked as a teaching professional, helping other golfers develop their games and sharing the experience he had gained throughout his own career.
Remembered For More Than His Golf Career
Following his death, McQuillan’s family remembered him as much for the person he was away from the course as for his accomplishments in professional golf.
An obituary described him as a devoted son, brother and friend, while also remembering his sense of humor and his passion for the game.
His connection to golf remained a defining part of his life, but those closest to him emphasized the impact he had on the people around him.
Cause Of Death Has Not Been Released
The news of McQuillan’s death was confirmed after his obituary was published.
He died at Kingston General Hospital on Wednesday, August 5, with his family by his side. A cause of death has not been publicly released.
His death has prompted an outpouring of sadness from the Kingston golf community and those who followed his professional career.
A Career That Took Him To Golf’s Biggest Stage
Matt McQuillan’s professional journey took him from Kingston and the Canadian golf circuit to the PGA Tour, where he competed against some of the biggest names in the sport.
His third-place finish at the John Deere Classic remains the defining achievement of his PGA Tour career, but his later work as a teaching professional allowed him to remain involved in the game and help inspire other golfers.
At just 45 years old, his death marks a profound loss for his family, friends and the golf community that knew him.
McQuillan’s legacy will live on through the people he touched and the game he devoted his life to.
