American golfer Brooks Koepka looked set for a strong finish at the RBC Canadian Open after opening with rounds of 64 and 68. However, a troubling issue emerged during the third round, derailing his momentum and ultimately ending his week early.

Koepka shared the lead after the opening round and remained in contention through 36 holes. But in Saturday's third round, he was visibly struggling and later revealed the extent of the problem.

“Yeah, I don't know what it is,” Koepka said Saturday following his round. “I'm struggling to grip the club with my ring finger and pinkie finger, so can't grip it. So the club is kind of just, my fingers would come loose, it was kind of numb. I don't know what the deal was but hopefully we'll figure it out."

According to Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard, the 36-year-old received treatment on his left elbow before the round.

A trainer accompanied Koepka throughout the third round, and he also received treatment at the 11th tee. Toronto’s wet conditions may have worsened the injury.

“The whole warm-up, I felt fine, I was absolutely good. Then got to the range and went to grip the club and I just couldn't even grip it. So it lasted – it was all day. Felt better the last few holes. I don't know if that's just the meds kicked in or what it is. But hopefully we'll figure it out now,” added Koepka.

Koepka tumbled 25 spots into a tie for 32nd after an injury-plagued 2-over 72 on Saturday.

Now, with the withdrawal, uncertainty surrounds Koepka’s U.S. Open status as he aims to recover in time to chase a third title at Shinnecock Hills.

Koepka One Of The Favorites At The U.S. Open

As reported by Bunkered, Koepka is one of the favorites for the 126th U.S. Open.

The former World No. 1 has already claimed the U.S. Open title twice back-to-back in 2017 and 2018.

His first title was at Erin Hills in 2017, four shots clear of American golfer Brian Harman and Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama. He then edged Tommy Fleetwood by one stroke in 2018, becoming the seventh player to successfully defend the title.

That 2018 win came only months after he returned from a four-month layoff caused by ligament damage in his left wrist.

With another injury concern surfacing days before the U.S. Open, Koepka finds himself in familiar territory.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav