Former PGA Tour player Matt McQuillan has died at the age of 45, according to an obituary reported by the Kingston Whig-Standard.
The Canadian golfer passed away on Wednesday surrounded by his family at a hospital in Ontario, Canada. No cause of death was listed.
McQuillan turned professional in 2003 after playing college golf at Oklahoma State and Georgia. He went on to compete in 32 PGA Tour events, recording three top-10 finishes as a rookie.
His obituary described him as a respected golfer, devoted son, hilarious brother and friend. It said that whether on the course or in everyday life, he had a remarkable ability to bring people together, offering encouragement, laughter and genuine friendship to everyone he met, adding that his welcoming personality and unwavering kindness made him a beloved figure within Kingston's golfing community and beyond.
Early start and lasting friendships
McQuillan's father, Mark, began teaching him how to swing a club at age 10 before he progressed to the Canadian Tour and then the PGA Tour.
His obituary said Matt developed lifelong friendships while mentoring anyone who loved the game of golf, and that he would be deeply missed by many, with his spirit, love and compassion remembered every day. It closed with the words, "Rest easy, Matty. We love you."
Tributes and career highlights
Golf Canada added in a tribute that it joins the Canadian golf community in mourning the passing of McQuillan, calling him one of Canada's most promising young golfers in the late 1990s.
According to the PGA Tour, McQuillan had returned to his hometown of Kingston, Ontario, to teach golf, helping introduce and develop the next generation of Canadian golfers.
His best PGA Tour result came at the 2011 John Deere Classic, where he shot a final-round 64 to finish tied for third behind winner Steve Stricker.
