U.S. Open: Brooks Koepka provides late update on mysterious health issue

Brooks Koepka has confirmed he will make it to the first tee box at the 2026 U.S. Open.

The five-time major champion sparked fears he may not tee it up at Shinnecock Hills after he was forced to withdraw from the final round of last week's RBC Canadian Open, citing discomfort in his hand.

American Koepka, 36, told reporters he first started experiencing weakness in the pinky and ring fingers on his left hand after the second round.

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He said the issue came on suddenly and it affected his grip straight away, making it hard to hold the club properly.

Not wanting to make things worse, Koepka chose to withdraw before Sunday’s final round in Canada.

He said it was a precaution, as he did not want to risk a bigger injury just days before a major championship.

It was a shame Koepka had to call it quits, as he had played his way into contention after 36 holes at TPC Toronto, opening with a strong 64 and following it with a 68.

Before the injury, his form this season had been steady rather than spectacular.

He has picked up several top-20 finishes on the PGA Tour since returning to the North American circuit from LIV Golf, but he is still searching for his first win of the 2026 season. 

He has shown flashes of his old major-winning form, but has been badly let down by his putter. 

Koepka has now confirmed to Golfweek that his medical team believe there are two potential causes of the issue.

One is a flare-up of the Ulnar Nerve whilst the other is a condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

The latter is caused by pressure on blood vessels or nerves in the area between the neck and shoulder which can cause the fingers to feel numb.

Koepka did not play a practice round at Shinnecock Hills on Monday and he told the publication he is unsure how much preparation he will be able to do.

But he clarified: "I'm gonna go this week".

Koepka won the U.S. Open the last time it was played at Shinnecock Hills. 

He finished on a 72-hole total of one-over par to pip England's Tommy Fleetwood by one stroke. 

World number one Scottie Scheffler is the pre-tournament favourite to win the gold medal this week, followed by Masters champion Rory McIlroy. 

Victory for Scheffler would see the 29-year-old join McIlroy in the grand slam club on the first attempt. 

The 2026 U.S. Open begins on Thursday. 

Keep checking GolfMagic for regular updates from the third men's major of the year.