Sepp Straka has provided a heartfelt update on his newborn son, Thomas, after what has been an emotional and demanding few weeks for the Austrian golfer with the Ryder Cup.
The 32-year-old and his wife, Paige, recently welcomed their first child, who arrived prematurely. Straka even chose to miss the BMW PGA Championship earlier this month to remain at home, ensuring he was by his family’s side during the crucial period.
Straka played a crucial role as he gained a full point for Europe which proved pivotal in the 15-13 victory for Luke Donald's team.
Donald confirmed the situation during the build-up to the event, saying: "Yeah, everything is okay. I don't think an official announcement has been made, but him and his wife welcomed their baby a few weeks ago prematurely.
Sepp Straka has given a new update on his newborn son
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"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 the circumstances, Straka honoured his commitment to compete in the Ryder Cup, playing a key role in Europe’s narrow but memorable 15-13 win over the United States at Bethpage Black. His steady performances across the weekend contributed to Europe regaining the trophy on American soil.
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After the final round, Straka opened up about what the last few weeks had meant for him and his family. "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.
"You know, these guys, Luke and everybody, has been so unbelievable in supporting me.
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Sepp Straka has revealed his son is doing well in hospital and praised his Ryder Cup teammates
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"Yeah, I can't thank everybody enough for the support that you guys are showing me throughout this whole thing.
"And yeah, I just, I cannot thank everybody enough."
Straka’s teammates were also quick to pay tribute to the collective spirit that carried Europe through one of the most tightly contested Ryder Cups in recent years.
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Rory McIlroy said: "It just shows the fight in this team. Everyone came here with their own stories, their own challenges, but we pulled together when it mattered most."
Jon Rahm added: "To come here, in New York, and win in front of a crowd like that — it means everything. We all had to dig deep, and seeing Sepp out there battling after what he’s been through, that was inspiring for all of us."
Jon Rahm celebrated long into the night with fans at Bethpage Black
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The celebrations stretched long into the night as Europe marked the victory in style.
Players remained on the Bethpage Black course long after the trophy presentation, spraying champagne and singing together as the sun set over New York.