Sepp Straka misses final: DP World Tour relaxes rule for family emergencies

Top Austrian golfer Sepp Straka has withdrawn from the crucial phase of the DP World Tour to support his family. His son Thomas, who was born prematurely in August, is finally able to leave hospital after months of treatment. For this reason, the DP World Tour granted the Ryder Cup star a rare exemption that secures his eligibility to play in the 2026 season despite not meeting the minimum requirements.

The current world number 15 will not take part in the last two tournaments of the season, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. These events form the play-offs of the Race to Dubai and are decisive for the ranking.

DP World Tour grants Sepp Straka special arrangement

Straka was faced with the problem that his withdrawal would mean he would miss out on the necessary tournament starts for the coming season. According to the rules of the DP World Tour, members must play at least four events per season - these count in addition to the four Major tournaments - in order to keep their card for the following year. The PGA Tour player had only made two starts in the 2025 season.

However, in view of the "serious personal circumstances", the Tour made a quick and unbureaucratic decision. Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, made use of a clause in the member handbook that gives him leeway in the event of "extenuating circumstances". He reduced the minimum requirement for Straka from four to two tournaments. This means the 32-year-old remains eligible to play for the 2026 season.

The Tour emphasized its condolences in a statement: "We would like to take this opportunity to express our continued full support and best wishes to Sepp and his family."

Quotes: The son is coming home

Sepp Straka expressed his emotions about his son's imminent return and thanked him for his support. The Vienna native emphasized that the family commitment now has absolute priority: "Paige and I are pleased to announce that we are preparing for the return of our son Thomas after he spent his first two months of life in intensive care. We are immensely grateful to the dedicated medical teams who cared for him and helped him grow stronger after his early arrival in August."

He explained his immediate withdrawal from the season finale events: "I need to be in Alabama to support Paige [Straka's wife] and make sure we give Thomas the best possible start as he transitions home from the NICU."

Successful but interrupted season

Despite the family turmoil, Straka enjoyed one of the most successful seasons of his career. He won twice on the PGA Tour and was part of the victorious European Ryder Cup team, where he posted a 1-2 record at Bethpage Black, including a four-shot victory alongside Jon Rahm. His son's health problems forced him to withdraw from the PGA Tour's BMW Championship back in August. Although he was the only European to miss the BMW PGA Championship, he returned to top form for the Ryder Cup when his son's condition briefly improved.

With this exemption, Straka can now be with his family in Alabama without any sporting pressure. His participation in next year's DP World Tour is secured and he has already confirmed his participation in his home tournament, the Austrian Alpine Open 2026. He concluded: "I'm looking forward to being out on the course again soon."