Athletes have time and again shown that nothing matters more than family. Scottie Scheffler once said, “I’m blessed to be able to come out here and play golf, but if my golf ever started affecting my home life or it ever affected the relationship I have with my wife or my son, that’s going to be the last day that I play out here for a living.” Tommy Fleetwood missed celebratory moments after his first PGA Tour win because he prioritized being with his stepson, who had undergone spinal surgery. There are countless examples that show many golfers prioritize family over the game. Sepp Straka has proved it once again.

A few days ago, Sepp Straka was preparing for a high-stakes return to the DP World Tour Play-Offs. Now, he’s stepping away from the game entirely for reasons far more important than golf. Golf Monthly shared an X post revealing, “Sepp Straka has announced his withdrawal from the DP World Tour Play-Offs for ‘personal reasons’ as he and wife Paige prepare for their son, Thomas, to return home after two months in intensive care.”

The top 70 in the Race to Dubai rankings make it to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Straka is 149th on the list. So under standard circumstances, Straka would not be playing in the DP World Tour Play-Offs. However, he got a free pass for his participation in the Ryder Cup. Any European Ryder Cup member gets to play in the Play-Offs, regardless of their rankings. Besides Straka, Shane Lowry (112) and Ludvig Aberg (80) are also taking advantage of their Ryder Cup status.

Sepp Straka decided to join his team members. However, the conditions at home prevent him from playing. Since he is withdrawing for valid reasons, he will also retain his DP World Tour membership status. Any DP World Tour member has to participate in at least four events to retain membership for the next season. Straka had participated in only two and planned to play the two Play-Off events to make it four. Although he won’t compete in the Play-Offs now, he would still retain his membership.

The Austrian golfer had already missed many events for the same reason. He has not played a DP World Tour event since July’s Genesis Scottish Open, except for his appearance at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. However, he could not commit to the Ryder Cup practice matches. He was the only member of the European team not to feature at Wentworth. When he arrived at Bethpage Black, he revealed, “The last couple of months have been a bit of a roller coaster for my wife and I. Little Thomas is doing well. He’s in the hospital, but he’s doing well. You know, these guys, Luke [Donald] and everybody, has been so unbelievable in supporting me.”

“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.” Sepp Straka explained while withdrawing from the events. “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.” Straka is prioritizing family, which is the right thing to do. He is staying by her wife’s side to welcome Thomas home and ensure the transition from NICU to home is as seamless as possible.

This is not the first playoffs Straka will miss. He had already missed a PGA Tour playoff event, too.

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Sepp Straka missed the 2025 BMW Championship

Sepp Straka missed the 2025 PGA Tour playoffs, including the BMW Championship and the subsequent events. Thomas was born prematurely, so he was in the NICU. Thus, Straka withdrew from the tournament. “For personal reasons, Sepp is unable to play this week,” said his manager, Butler Melnyk. “He intends to compete at the Tour Championship, but requests privacy at this time as he attends to a family matter at home.”

The PGA Tour announced that the BMW Championship field would proceed with 49 players instead of the usual 50, as no alternates were allowed to replace Straka.

Sepp Straka’s decision reflects a moment where family truly comes before competition. His choice has earned respect across the golf community, showing that some victories happen far from the course.