WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va.--Meg Kuchar experienced some anxious moments Friday over the closing holes in The Greenbrier Classic.

Son Matt had just made a bogey on the par-5 17th hole to drop to 1 under and appear in danger of missing the cut. Kuchar rebounded to birdie the 18th, a 162-yard par three surrounded by bleachers and skyboxes, to card a second 69 on the par-70 Old White course at The Greenbrier Resort. When play finally concluded, Kuchar had done just enough to keep his mom, other family members and friends around for two more days.

"I was worried," said Meg, a native of Huntington who went to college in Florida and stayed. "A friend said Matt thought he'd missed the putt, but it hit a bump, got knocked on line and went into the hole. That was so exciting. That meant we didn't have to leave early."

Meg's husband is Peter, who is an avid tennis player.

Meg and Matt's fellow followers had more to cheer about Saturday as her son fired a 7-under 63 to move up the leaderboard. Since the leaders continued to torch Old White, Kuchar is tied for 18th now.

"Much better," Meg said after Kuchar made par on No. 18. He has recorded top-10 finishes in four of his last five starts. The 63 matches his career best. He's shot 63 six times now.

Kuchar, who has family in Huntington, is familiar with The Greenbrier and Old White. He came here a few years ago to visit and got a round in with Bill Campbell of Huntington, winner of 15 West Virginia Amateur championships.

"There's a lot of history here," Meg said. "This is a beautiful place. We love it so much."

Kuchar played college golf at Georgia Tech. He won the U.S. Amateur in 1997 and opted to stay an amateur after the victory. The 1998 Fred Haskins Award winner as the nation's top college player turned pro in 2000.

"He honored his commitment to Georgia Tech," Meg said. "He got his degree. You can't go back and be a kid again. No amount of money can buy your youth back. He's a definite keeper."

Looking ahead, Meg said she's paying attention to the Ryder Cup standings. Kuchar is No. 7 in points and the top eight through the PGA are on the team. The Ryder Cup is scheduled Sept. 27-Oct. 3 at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales.

"It's been a blessing," Meg said of her son's career. "It would be a thrill beyond words. We've been watching. We hope we can book Cup reservations for Wales."

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