Former PGA Golfer Matt McQuillan Dies Suddenly At 45

Matt McQuillan, a former player on the PGA Tour, has died suddenly at 45 years old.

McQuillan passed away Wednesday at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario, Canada, according to an online obituary. The golfer was surrounded by his family. McQuillan's cause of death is unknown. (RELATED: UFC Fighter Allan Nascimento Dead At 34 After 'Apparent Heart Attack')

"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. His welcoming personality and unwavering kindness made him a beloved figure within Kingston's golfing community and beyond," read McQuillan's obituary, per the Kingston Whig-Standard.

McQuillan, who is a native of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, became a professional in 2003, ultimately getting his PGA Tour card in 2010 through Q-School. In 2011, he competed in 21 events, making seven cuts, including a T-3 finish in the John Deere Classic. That performance was the best finish of McQuillan's career.

Ex-PGA golfer Matt McQuillan dead at 45 https://t.co/kbQ0n0qClZ pic.twitter.com/ooW4AsQ9MX

— New York Post (@nypost) August 10, 2026

The PGA Tour stated in a tribute post that McQuillan stayed in the sport of golf by teaching in his hometown of Kingston, "helping introduce and develop the next generation of Canadian golfers."

"Friends who shared rounds with him remember his enthusiasm, positive attitude, and appreciation for every moment spent on the course. He celebrated the successes of others as readily as his own and was always willing to encourage fellow golfers, regardless of their skill level," wrote McQuillan's family, per the Kingston Whig-Standard.

Prior to turning professional, McQuillan competed at Oklahoma State in his college golf days, beginning his career in 2000 with the Cowboys before making a transfer to the University of Georgia.

"Matt McQuillan's golf story began in Kingston, Ont., and no matter where the game took him, Kingston remained at the heart of it. Golf Canada joins the Canadian golf community in mourning the passing of McQuillan," stated Golf Canada on its official website.