$28 Million Golfer Abruptly Withdraws Before the Second Round of FedEx Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 3:57 PM ET

The BMW Championship tees off this week at the Caves Valley Golf Club, featuring the top 50 golfers in the FedEx rankings. It is the second round of playoffs, offering players a chance to move into top 30 and become eligible for the Tour Championship.

But barely into the week, PGA Tour announced troubling news regarding Sepp Straka. He has decided to withdraw entirely from the tournament because of a personal matter he was reluctant to disclose.

“For personal reasons, Sepp is unable to play this week. 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 manager Butler Melnyk informed the association.

Sepp Straka WD from the BMW Championship due to a private family matter.

Statement from Straka’s manager Butler Melnyk: “For personal reasons, Sepp is unable to play this week. He intends to compete at the TOUR Championship, but requests privacy at this time as he attends to a…
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) August 11, 2025

The man has played 187 events in his career, earning more than $28 million. He was No. 5 on the rankings and is also projected to be a part of Team Europe for the Ryder Cup.

According to the rules, no replacement will take his place.

Straka's place in the Tour Championship is completely secured because of his high ranking, providing him certainty regardless of this week's absence. His desire to play in the final round is further proof that the matter is not major and can likely be sorted out within two weeks.

He was active in the recently concluded FedEx St. Jude Championship, where Straka carded rounds of 68-67-67-70, finishing with a score of 7-under-par and tied in the seventeenth position.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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