Brooks Koepka is now a major doubt for the US Open after a problem emerged at the RBC Canadian Open.
The last time a US Open was held at Shinnecock Hills, Brooks Koepka was the last man standing.
Koepka became the first player to go back-to-back in the US Open in 29 years when he edged out Tommy Fleetwood to win his third major championship in 2018.
So much has happened in Koepka’s life since then – including some significant injury trouble and a controversial move to LIV Golf – but the American was supposed to be one of the protagonists again at Shinnecock this time around.
Now though, the five-time major champion is doubt to compete.
Koepka was on course for his best finish since rejoining the PGA Tour back over two rounds at the RBC Canadian Open. But after a two-over par 72 in his third round, Koepka revealed he had been in discomfort due to a mysterious hand injury.
“I don’t know what it is,” he said on Saturday. “I’m struggling to grip the club with my ring finger and pinkie finger, so can’t grip it. 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.
“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.”
“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.”
The injury, it turns out, has forced Koepka to withdraw ahead of Sunday’s final round.
It now appears a race against time for Koepka to be fit for the US Open at Shinnecock.