Former Canadian PGA Tour Golfer Matt McQuillan Dead at 45 ‘Surrounded by Family’

Former PGA Tour golfer Matt McQuillan has died. He was 45.

“It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Matthew Justin McQuillan (Matty to most).

He passed away at KGH Wednesday August 5, 2026, surrounded by family,” an obituary shared in The Kingston Whig Standard reads. “Matty was a respected golfer, devoted son, hilarious brother and friend.”

A cause of death has not been publicly revealed at the time of publication.

McQuillan is survived by his family, including father Mark, who kickstarted the professional athlete’s love of golf.

“His father, Mark, started teaching him how to swing the club at the young age of ten and his passion and talent grew immensely,” the obituary continued. “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.”

The statement concluded, “He will be deeply missed by many and his spirit, love and compassion will be remembered every day. Rest easy, Matty. We love you.”

The Kingston Whig-Standard, a newspaper in McQuillan’s hometown of Ontario, Canada, published a longer obituary in honor of the former golf star via its website.

“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,” McQuillan’s family wrote. “His welcoming personality and unwavering kindness made him a beloved figure within Kingston’s golfing community and beyond. Friends who shared rounds with him remember his enthusiasm, positive attitude and appreciation for every moment spent on the course.”

His relatives added, “[Matt] celebrated the successes of others as readily as his own and was always willing to encourage fellow golfers, regardless of their skill level.”

McQuillan, who turned pro in 2003, earned his PGA Tour card through the 2010 PGA Tour Q-School, competing in the tournaments throughout the 2011 season. The golfer memorably finished in third place at the 2011 John Deere Classic.

“It’s still a little hard to believe that I’m part of the PGA Tour,” he wrote in a ScoreGolf essay after his 2011 PGA Tour debut. “The three months since I earned my card at qualifying school have been overwhelming at times, but this is a great job and I’m lucky to be here. Even though the golf hasn’t gone as well as I’ve wanted, my focus is on staying patient and remaining confident.”

In the years after stepping away from professional golf, McQuillan served as a golf instructor in his hometown.