Sepp Straka withdraws from the DP World Tour Playoffs as his newborn son returns home after two months in intensive care.
Sepp Straka has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming DP World Tour Playoff events in the United Arab Emirates. The Austrian, who resides in Alabama, USA, cited family reasons for his decision. His second son, Thomas, was born prematurely in August and has spent the first two months of his life in a neonatal intensive care unit. “Our son Thomas is finally coming home after spending the first two months of his life in the NICU,” Straka shared in a statement. “I want to be there for my wife and do everything I can to help Thomas get the best possible start in life after his premature birth. We are incredibly grateful to the medical teams who have cared for him so well.”
The first Playoff event, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, takes place from November 6–9, followed by the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai from November 13–16, marking the season finale.
DP World Tour grants exemption for Straka
To retain his DP World Tour membership, Straka would normally need to play in at least four events. So far in the 2025 season, he has competed in The 153rd Open Championship and the Genesis Scottish Open. He had already withdrawn from the BMW Championship in August due to family matters, but did participate in the 2025 Ryder Cup, where he helped Team Europe to victory at Bethpage State Park in New York.
Given the exceptional circumstances, DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings expressed full support for Straka and granted him a special exemption. The minimum tournament requirement was reduced from four to two, ensuring Straka retains his playing rights for the 2026 season. In an official statement, the DP World Tour said: “We would like to take this opportunity to extend our full support and best wishes to Sepp and his family.”