Brooks Koepka withdraws from Scottish Open in fresh blow ahead of The Open

Brooks Koepka will not tee it up at this week’s Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, opting instead for an extended spell of recovery just seven days out from Open Championship week. 

After being handed a sponsor invite, the five-time major champion had been expected to use the co-sanctioned DP World Tour and PGA Tour event in North Berwick as a key warm-up before heading to Royal Birkdale. 

Instead, the American's name has now been withdrawn from the field, marking another cautious step in what has become a disrupted stretch of his season.

Koepka’s decision to WD follows a difficult run of fitness concerns, most notably a recurring hand issue that has impacted his ability to grip the club comfortably. 

The problem, linked to ulnar nerve irritation, first flared during last month's RBC Canadian Open, where he ultimately withdrew before the final round. 

Koepka admitted the sensation in his ring and little fingers was affecting control and consistency.

Although there has been no formal suggestion of a long-term setback, the timing of the withdrawal indicates a clear priority: rest now, rather than risk aggravation ahead of the final major of the season. 

The Genesis Scottish Open, staged at The Renaissance Club, would have been his first appearance at the event since 2015 and a valuable test of links conditions in advance of The Open.

Fantasy golf reporter Rob Bolton noted on social media that Koepka, alongside Keith Mitchell, will be removed from the field at the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open.

They are set to be replaced by Max McGreevy and William Mouw, with Mouw’s schedule shifting after originally being lined up to defend his ISCO Championship title.

England's Justin Rose has also chosen to bypass the tournament.

Koepka had previously spoken warmly about returning to Scotland, referencing strong memories of past appearances and highlighting the unique appeal of a tournament that brings together players from both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. 

At the time, he described the event as an ideal lead-in to a major week, particularly given its links-style setup and strong field.

However, recent weeks have painted a more complicated picture. 

After his Canadian Open withdrawal, Koepka explained that scans on his neck returned clear, narrowing the issue down to nerve-related symptoms in his hand. 

While he has insisted there is no significant pain, the loss of grip strength and occasional numbness have made competitive play difficult to manage consistently.

He also endured a missed cut at the U.S. Open shortly afterwards, adding to a stop-start run of form that has contrasted sharply with his reputation for peaking around major championships.

Koepka returned to the PGA Tour earlier this season after quitting LIV Golf at the end of 2025. 

The former world number one, currently ranked 114th, has chalked up just one top-10 finish on the PGA Tour this season (Cognizant Classic in March). 

Whether Koepka arrives at The Open fully sharp remains uncertain, but his latest withdrawal suggests a strategy built around preserving energy and functionality for the season’s final major rather than risking further disruption in Scotland.