Sepp Straka Withdraws from European Tour to Be with Newborn Son

Sepp Straka, a two-time PGA Tour winner and Ryder Cup player, has withdrawn from the final stretch of the European Tour to be with his newborn son, Thomas, who is leaving the hospital after two months in intensive care. This decision allows Straka to remain eligible for the 2026 European Tour. Watch the emotional story of a father’s dedication and love for his family.

Imagine sacrificing a shot at glory on the golf course for the most precious moments with your newborn. Substraa is doing just that, and it’s a heart-wrenching reminder of life’s true priorities. But here’s where it gets controversial. Is family always worth the professional hit in highstakes sports? Dive in to find out more. from Virginia Water, England. AP golfing sensation Septraka, whose story begins in Austria before he relocated to Georgia as a young teen, has chosen to step away from the concluding races of the European tour. Instead, he’s prioritizing being present at home as his infant son prepares to leave the hospital for the first time after his birth. Straa, who earned an exemption for the upcoming Abuhabi HSBC championship thanks to his role in the REDRE Cup, is opting out of the race to Dubai’s playoff pairings. This decision comes amid the joyful anticipation of his two-month-old son’s discharge from neonatal intensive care. For those new to the term, neonatal intensive care, often called NICU, is a specialized unit in hospitals designed for premature or ill newborns who need roundthe-clock medical attention, advanced technology, and expert care to stabilize and thrive. It’s a place where tiny fighters like Straa’s son, born in early August, receive life-saving support. Straka stood out as the sole European golfer absent from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, which served as a warm-up for the REDRER Cup. His son’s health challenges had kept him sidelined, but after some encouraging progress, he managed to tee off at Beth Page Black. In a heartfelt statement, Straa shared, “Paige and I are thrilled to announce that we’re gearing up for our son, Thomas, to come home in the weeks ahead following his first eight weeks in intensive care. We’re deeply thankful to the committed health care professionals who’ve nurtured him and aided his recovery since his premature arrival in August. He’s officially pulling out of the Abu Dhabi event and the subsequent DP World Tour Championship in Dubai to focus on his family responsibilities back in Alabama. I must be there in Alabama to stand by Paige, making sure we provide Thomas with the optimal beginning as he moves from the NICU to our home. Straa explained, “This choice means he won’t reach the minimum of four European tour appearances required for full eligibility. Yet, considering the unique situation with his son’s health, the tour’s chief executive, Guy Kinnings, has graciously adjusted the requirement down to just two tournaments, preserving Straa’s standing for the 2026 season. Straa has had a remarkable year on the PGA Tour, claiming two victories, one of which was a prestigious signature event at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. He currently holds the number 15 spot in the global rankings. And this is the part most people miss. In the cutthroat world of professional golf, where endorsements and titles can skyrocket careers, Straa’s move highlights a potential counterpoint. Maybe the Rayal win isn’t on the leaderboard, but in being there for family milestones. What do you think? Does this set a new standard for athletes balancing fame and fatherhood, or is it a risk that could cost him in the long run? Share your thoughts in the comments. Do you agree with prioritizing family over a potential career boost, or should professional commitments always come first? Let’s discuss. AP Golf httpsapnews.com/hub/golf