Sepp Straka will keep his DP World Tour card for next year despite not meeting membership requirements after withdrawing from the season’s final two events.
Straka announced Friday he’ll miss the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and DP World Tour Championship to care for his newborn son, who’s been in intensive care for months and will soon be coming home.
The absences mean Straka won’t reach the four-tournament minimum required for membership. But DP World Tour chief Guy Kinnings has reduced Straka’s requirement to just two events, citing his “serious personal circumstances.”
Straka’s family situation has affected his playing schedule throughout the fall. He missed an event during the FedExCup playoffs and the BMW PGA Championship to be with his family, though he did return for the Ryder Cup, where he contributed a 1-2 record to Europe’s victory.
Before this announcement, Straka sat 149th in the Race to Dubai standings and was at risk of losing his tour card.
“I need to be in Alabama to support Paige, ensuring we give Thomas the best start possible as he transitions from NICU to home,” Straka said. “Thank you for the thoughtful messages and ongoing support we have received over the past few months.”
