Brooks Koepka commits to US Open start despite recent hand nerve injury
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has confirmed he intends to compete in this week’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills, despite withdrawing from the RBC Canadian Open days earlier with a nerve-related hand injury.
The 36-year-old sparked serious fitness concerns when he pulled out before the final round in Ontario, citing sudden numbness and weakness in his left hand.
However, the American contacted reporters via text message on Monday evening to declare his readiness for the third men’s major of the year.
“I’m gonna go this week.”
Medical scans clear neck damage
Initial fears suggested the grip issues could be linked to a historical injury, as the powerhouse golfer previously herniated two neck vertebrae in 2021.
Fortunately, precautionary MRI scans conducted in both Canada and New York over the past 48 hours have revealed no structural damage to his neck.
Medical professionals currently suspect the discomfort is caused by a flare-up of the ulnar nerve or thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that compresses nerves in the upper chest.
The symptoms initially surfaced during Friday evening and worsened during his Saturday warm-up routines, leaving him unable to properly hold his clubs.
“The club is kind of just, my fingers would come loose. It was kind of numb,” he explained prior to his withdrawal.
Returning to a happy hunting ground
The former LIV Golf competitor will be desperate to manage these nerve symptoms as he returns to the venue of one of his greatest career triumphs.
He secured the second of his back-to-back US Open titles when the prestigious tournament was last hosted at the Southampton, New York course in 2018.
During that decisive final round, he carded an impressive 68 to finish at one-over-par, ultimately edging out England’s Tommy Fleetwood by a single stroke.
Since making his return to the PGA Tour in January, the Florida native has demonstrated consistent form, recording six top-25 finishes across 12 starts.
He is scheduled to test his physical condition during a practice round on Tuesday afternoon before formally addressing the assembled media.
