Sepp Straka has withdrawn from the 2025 BMW Championship due to a private family matter, the PGA Tour announced on Monday.
The 30-year-old Austrian, who entered the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs ranked No. 5 in the season-long standings, will miss out on a significant opportunity to add points as he competes for a spot in the Tour Championship.
However, Straka is expected to return to action for the season finale, where the top 30 golfers will compete.
“For personal reasons, Sepp is unable to play this week,” said Straka’s manager, Buter Melnyk, in a statement. “He intends to compete at the Tour Championship but requests privacy at this time as he attends to a family matter at home.”
Straka’s Strong 2025 Season and FedEx Cup Standings
Straka was originally ranked No. 3 in the FedEx Cup standings entering the postseason but dropped two spots after Justin Rose and J.J. Spaun both posted top-two finishes at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Despite the recent shift in rankings, Straka’s strong 2025 season continues to elevate his status in the game.
His impressive year includes two wins, multiple top-10 finishes, and standout performances in several major tournaments.
Straka secured his first victory of the season at The American Express in January, followed by another win at the Truist Championship, one of the PGA Tour’s signature events.
In addition to his wins, Straka had top-10 finishes in prestigious events like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Memorial Tournament, and the Scottish Open.
Career-Best FedEx Cup Finish
Straka’s absence from the BMW Championship marks the first time in three years that he will not compete in the event. His best finish in the BMW Championship came in 2024, where he earned a T13 at Castle Pines.
Nevertheless, Straka is assured a spot in the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, where he will aim to improve on his career-best FedEx Cup finish of T7 in 2022.
BMW Championship Field Adjusted
With Straka’s withdrawal, the field for the BMW Championship at Caves Valley is now down to 49 players. Rory McIlroy, who skipped the St. Jude Championship last week, returns to the field for this event.
The absence of Straka, one of the season’s most consistent performers, is significant, but the competition remains fierce as the top players fight for a spot in the Tour Championship.
Looking Ahead
While Straka will miss this pivotal event, his solid season ensures that he remains a contender in the FedEx Cup playoffs. With his continued success in 2025, Straka will look to bounce back and focus on securing a strong finish at East Lake, where the top golfers in the world will battle for the ultimate postseason honor.
