Last-Minute Injury Scare Has Brooks Koepka Racing Against Time Before the U.S. Open
PGA, Golf Herren Cognizant Classic - Final Round Mar 1, 2026 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the 18th tee during the final round of the Cognizant Classic golf tournament. Palm Beach Gardens Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xReinholdxMatayx 20260301_sns_mb4_00093
PGA, Golf Herren Cognizant Classic - Final Round Mar 1, 2026 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the 18th tee during the final round of the Cognizant Classic golf tournament. Palm Beach Gardens Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xReinholdxMatayx 20260301_sns_mb4_00093
Brooks Koepka could not feel his own fingers on Saturday. With the U.S. Open six days away, that is not the kind of news a five-time major winner wants to deliver. The 36-year-old golfer has signed for a 2-over 72 in the third round of the RBC Canadian Open on Saturday.
Per Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard, Koepka required medical assistance with his left elbow before teeing off. A trainer was even assigned to stay by his side throughout. Koepka addressed the issue after his round, as reported by GolfMagic on June 13.
"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."
LA JOLLA, CA - JANUARY 31: Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the seventh tee on the South course during the Farmers Insurance Open on January 31, 2026, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA. Photo by Karl Anderson/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JAN 31 PGA, Golf Herren Farmers Insurance Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon272260131023
LA JOLLA, CA - JANUARY 31: Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the seventh tee on the South course during the Farmers Insurance Open on January 31, 2026, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA. Photo by Karl Anderson/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JAN 31 PGA, Golf Herren Farmers Insurance Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon272260131023
Round 2 saw Koepka at T7, only two strokes behind leader Ben James. But Round 3 dropped him to a tie for 32nd, owing to his medical issues.
The problem appeared out of nowhere. Koepka, according to the GolfMagic report, said he felt fine during his warm-up.
"Then I got to the range and went to grip the club, and I just couldn't even grip it," he said. "So it lasted all day. Felt better the last few holes. I don't know if that's just the meds kicked in or what it is."
Since returning from LIV Golf in January, Koepka has struggled with putting despite solid ball-striking—a weakness that could compound his grip issue at Shinnecock Hills.
Koepka will play at Shinnecock Hills next week. The last time the U.S. Open was held there, in 2018, he won the tournament. He finished the event at 1-over-par after 72 holes.
Koepka is not the only player dealing with physical problems going into next week's tournament.
Brooks Koepka's Injury Bug Spreads Across the U.S. Open Field
Collin Morikawa has been managing a back issue since March. The two-time major winner told reporters on Wednesday he is still having a hard time trusting it.
Viktor Hovland skipped last week's Memorial Tournament with a back injury, according to Jack Nicklaus.
With several top players dealing with health issues, Koepka could have a good showing if his injury troubles cease.
Koepka's season has had its share of ups and downs. He finished tied for ninth at the Cognizant Classic and tied for 13th at THE PLAYERS. However, he missed the cut at the WM Phoenix Open, Texas Children's Houston Open, and Zurich Classic.
Last month, he finished tied for 55th at the PGA Championship.
Do you think Brooks Koepka will be fit enough to contend at the U.S. Open next week? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Sneha Abraham
Edited by
Surjo Ray