Sepp Straka will keep his DP World Tour card after withdrawing from the final two events of the year to care for his son.
The two-time Ryder Cup winner revealed that his newborn son, Thomas, will be coming home for the first time, having spent the first two months of his life in intensive care.
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Straka missed the qualification process due to his son’s illnessCredit: Getty
Given the situation, Straka withdrew from the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship to end the season.
Such a decision meant that he could not reach his Counting Tournament obligation for the 2026 season, but the DP World Tour saw sense and granted an exception.
In a statement, they said: “In recognition of his serious personal circumstances since August, which have understandably impacted his ability to travel and compete globally across the Back 9 and Play-Offs, as permitted in the Members Regulation Handbook, DP World Tour Chief Executive Guy Kinnings has amended Sepp’s minimum Counting Tournament obligation from four events to two.
“He will therefore remain eligible for membership for the 2026 season. We would like to take this opportunity to continue to offer our full support and best wishes to Sepp and his family.”
Straka and his wife Paige had their second son in early August, and he has been in neonatal care ever since.
The newborn recovered enough for his father to compete in his second Ryder Cup and win again away in New York.
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There’s been further good news since the Ryder Cup, with the family putting out a statement on their son’s condition in which Straka confirmed his golfing schedule.
Straka said: “Paige and I are pleased to share that we are preparing for our son, Thomas, to return home in the coming weeks after spending his initial two months of life in intensive care.
“We are immensely grateful to the dedicated medical teams who have cared for him and helped him grow stronger following his early arrival in August.
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Straka and his wife now have two sons after first-born Leo was joined by ThomasCredit: Instagram
“Consequently, I will be withdrawing from both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship to focus on my family during this important time.
“I need to be in Alabama to support Paige, ensuring we give Thomas the best start possible as he transitions from NICU to home.
“Thank you for the thoughtful messages and ongoing support we have received over the past few months.
“I would like to extend my best wishes to all participants in the upcoming DP World Tour Play-Off events and look forward to being back out there soon.”
Straka’s whirlwind 2025
Before Thomas’ birth, Austrian golfing star Straka recorded two of his five professional wins during the current season.
The 32-year-old won the Desert Classic in January and then the Truist Championship in May.
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Straka is a two-time Ryder Cup winnerCredit: Getty
His European ranking of eighth wasn’t enough to become a qualifier for Team Europe, but he was a pick by captain Luke Donald thanks to success in 2023.
Straka would go on to collect a point for Europe during fourballs alongside Spaniard John Rahm as Team USA were defeated 15-13 overall.
Speaking after making the pick, Donald said: “Yeah, everything is OK. I don’t think an official announcement has been made, but him and his wife welcomed their baby a few weeks ago prematurely.
“Everything is going extremely well with their baby. He just doesn’t want to be so far away. I think that’s only fair.”