Sepp Straka was forced to miss the BMW PGA Championship earlier this month after his son, Thomas, was born prematurely and remains in hospital
Team Europe star Sepp Straka has given the latest update on his youngest son, Thomas, who arrived early and remains hospitalised whilst his dad celebrated Ryder Cup glory.
Earlier this month, Straka made the selfless decision to stay alongside his wife, Paige, and their newborn rather than compete in the BMW PGA Championship, which acted as preparation for the Ryder Cup.
Despite forgoing the opportunity to sharpen his skills at the DP World Tour’s flagship tournament, Straka burst out of the blocks at Bethpage Black Golf Course, defeating Scottie Scheffler and J. J. Spaun, 3 and 2, whilst partnering Jon Rahm in Friday’s four-ball.
Although Straka suffered defeats in Saturday’s four-ball match and Sunday’s singles, he still had plenty to celebrate after Team Europe clinched a 15-13 triumph. The 32 year old was also part of the victorious European squad at the 2023 biennial contest in Rome, giving him two career Ryder Cup titles, reports the Mirror US.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Straka admitted that the past few months have been “a bit of a roller coaster” both on and away from the golf course. “Yeah, it’s unbelievable. The last couple of months have been a bit of a roller coaster for my wife and I,” he said.
“Little Thomas is doing well. He’s in the hospital, but he’s doing well.”
Whilst caring for Thomas in recent weeks, Straka praised his European teammates for offering support during these challenging times. “You know, these guys, Luke and everybody, has been so unbelievable in supporting me,” he expressed.
“Yeah, I can’t thank everybody enough for the support that you guys are showing me throughout this whole thing. And yeah, I just – yeah, I cannot thank everybody enough.”
Straka was the only member of Team Europe who didn’t take part in the BMW PGA Championship, but captain Luke Donald was more than understanding, allowing him to stay home to care for his newborn.
“Yeah, everything is OK. I don’t think an official announcement has been made, but him and his wife welcomed their baby a few weeks ago prematurely,” Donald informed reporters.
“Everything is going extremely well with their baby. He just doesn’t want to be so far away. I think that’s only fair.”
Despite Straka’s absence from Wentworth Golf Club, Donald remained confident that he would be ready to perform at the Ryder Cup.
“Had many conversations with Sepp. He’s very motivated. He’s going to be continuing to work on his game hard,” Donald shared. “He’ll join us for the practice trip. But that’s the reason why he won’t be in Wentworth.”
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