Matt McQuillan, Former PGA Golfer, Dead at 45

A skilled golfer has left the world too soon. 

Matt McQuillan, a Canadian pro player who made his debut in the PGA Tour in 2011, died Aug. 5 at Kingston General Hospital in Kingston, Ontario, his family confirmed. He was 45. 

“It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Matthew Justin McQuillan (Matty to most),” his family wrote in an obituary published Aug. 8. “Matty was a respected golfer, devoted son, hilarious brother, and friend. His father, Mark, started teaching him how to swing the club at the young age of ten and his passion and talent grew immensely.”

Indeed, McQuillan—who went pro in 2003—earned his PGA Tour card in 2010 through qualifying school. The following year, McQuillan marked his strongest year as a player. He shot a final-round 64 to tie for third place in the John Deere Classic and earned just under $600,000 during the season. 

McQuillan competed in a total of 32 events in the PGA Tour, as well as 23 events in the PGA Tour Canada and 11 events in the Korn Ferry Tour. He played his final year of professional golf in 2017, according to the PGA website.