Brooks Koepka will compete in the 126th U.S. Open, according to PGATour.com. The golfer, returning to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., stated he’s healthy enough for the tournament after a recent hand injury.
What happened
On Tuesday, Koepka shared updates about his health just before the U.S. Open, where he previously won in 2018. He withdrew from the RBC Canadian Open due to a hand injury affecting his grip on the club. This occurred while he was near the lead at TPC Toronto, but he faded and opted out of the final round, citing discomfort.
Speaking near the 18th green at Shinnecock Hills, Koepka mentioned, “My ulnar nerve just flared up a little bit,” impacting sensation in his ring and pinkie fingers. Following a recent scan on his neck, he expressed continued improvement ahead of the tournament.
“Excited to be able to hold a golf club again,” Koepka said. “There’s absolutely no pain, which is kind of the weirdest part of this whole thing.”
Why it matters
Koepka’s return is significant as he aims for yet another major title. After winning multiple championships, including the U.S. Open, he has established a reputation for rising to the occasion during high-stakes tournaments. His performance this week could further cement his legacy in golf history.
Background
On June 16, 2022, Koepka made headlines with his impressive back-to-back U.S. Open victories at Shinnecock. Recently, however, his performance on the PGA Tour has struggled, with only one top-10 finish out of twelve starts this year. His withdrawal last week from the RBC Canadian Open added uncertainty to his condition going into this major tournament.
What’s next
The U.S. Open starts on June 15, 2026, where Koepka will tee off alongside Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup, providing him an opportunity to reclaim his status as a leading competitor.
