Despite His European Team Inclusion, Ryder Cup Debutant Sepp Straka Openly Confesses His ‘American Upbringing’ – “I’ve Never Played…”

One of the most prestigious golf tournaments that two continents look forward to very eagerly is none other than the Ryder Cup. The tournament is just around the corner and the excitement around it is peaking through as every day goes by. Both the teams, that is the European team and the American team are now sorted, and all that is left now for the players to do is go head-to-head against each other for pride, honor, and national glory. 

The European team was picked out just some hours ago, and one of the captain’s picks was Sepp Straka. The Austrian golfer had an American upbringing but now would be competing against the American team in the Ryder Cup. Read to know how the golfer feels about it. 

Sepp Straka talks about playing for a European team despite his American Upbringing 

European skipper made his picks, and now the European team is complete and ready to take on its American counterparts. Donald expressed a lot of confidence in his picks but he especially spoke very highly of Ryder Cup debutant, Sepp Straka. 

In 2018, Straka became the first Austrian golfer to earn the PGA Tour member card, and this was a feat in itself for the golfer. Though the golfer was born in Austria, he has been living in America. During the press conference with the captain’s picks, an interviewer asked the golfer about how it felt to play for the European side, despite his “American upbringing.”

The 2X PGA Tour winner honestly answered and said, “I’ve never played for America in golf. I’ve always played under the Austrian bag.” He shared that since his professional start, he has been playing for the European flag. All of his junior golf career as well, he was on the European Boys Teams and the European Amateur Team. 

He said it is not shocking that he is not playing for the American flag, as he always “assumed it would be for Europe,” as he has “played for the Austrian flag and proudly representing it.” Though some people might question Luke Donald’s picks, the skipper made sure to choose a team that would put the best foot forward in avenging Whistling Straights. 

Read More: Amid Achieving His Patriotic Dream, 2023 Ryder Cup’s Latest Pick Makes An Uncanny Feat

What made Luke Donald choose Straka for the European Squad?

The last two years for the 30-year-old have been pretty great and nothing less than an incredible ride. The golfer said all of it started in 2022 when he won The Honda Classic and became the first Austrian golfer to win on the PGA Tour. His 2022 win gave him confidence and he worked well on improving his game. 

In 2023, the golfer earned his second win at John Deere Classic. Captain Donald said that he could not keep Straka off the team because of the incredible two years he has had, and his growth just made it impossible to leave him off the team. 

Tune in to find out how things unravel at the Rome showdown, and all the interesting updates about the Ryder Cup that comes before the tournament begins! 

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