Brooks Koepka suffers injury scare days before U.S. Open

Brooks Koepka may have to play hurt at the third men's major of the year. 

The 36-year-old is currently competing at the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto. 

Five-time major winner Koepka played his way into contention after 36 holes and was only two strokes adrift of surprise leader Ben James.

But the former LIV Golf recruit went backwards on moving day at Osprey Valley's north course, signing for a two-over 72. 

The score dropped him way down the leaderboard into a tie for 32nd. 

Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard reported that Koepka received treatment on his left elbow before teeing it up. 

And a trainer walked the entire 18 holes alongside the American, who looked visibly uncomfortable at times.

It raises alarm bells for Koepka, who will head to the U.S. Open next week at Shinnecock Hills with the aim of adding to his major haul. 

Koepka won the gold medal the last time the major was played at there in 2018, finishing on a 72-hole total of one-over.

"I don't know what it is," Koepka said after 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."

Koepka said he felt fine in his warm-up. 

"Then [I] got to the range and went to grip the club and I just couldn't even grip it. 

"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. 

"But hopefully we'll figure it out now."

Koepka did not indicate he was having any injury concerns when he spoke to reporters ahead of the RBC Canadian Open or after the first two rounds. 

He indicated that he was more concerned about finally getting his mojo back with the putter. 

Koepka rejoined the PGA Tour from LIV Golf in January and has generally played well, so much so that he described his ball-striking as "phenomenal" at times. 

But he has been badly let down by his putter and has tried various ones throughout the season. 

Koepka isn't the only notable player dealing with injury concerns ahead of the U.S. Open. 

Collin Morikawa has been dealing with a back issue since March and the two-time major winner, who became a father for the first time last week, told reporters on Wednesday he's still having a hard time trusting it. 

Viktor Hovland, too, skipped last week's Memorial Tournament with a back injury according to Jack Nicklaus. 

Scottie Scheffler is the pre-tournament favourite for the U.S. Open, followed by Masters champion Rory McIlroy. 

Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton will lead the charge for LIV Golf.

GolfMagic will be providing regular updates from the third men's major of the year.