Total alarm in the world of golf: Brooks Koepka, one of the most feared names on the big stages, has been forced to withdraw from the prestigious $9.8 million RBC Canadian Open due to a hand injury, casting a huge shadow of uncertainty over his participation in the U.S. Open, which takes place next week at Shinnecock Hills. The timing could not be more cruel for the American, who was experiencing one of his best moments since returning to the PGA Tour, after weeks showing clear signs of regaining his best form.
Koepka, who just three weeks ago had impressed with a 63 (-8) at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson — his best round of 2026 and his best start since returning to the circuit — carried that momentum into the RBC Canadian Open, leading at the end of the first round with a 64 and holding steady with a solid 68 in the second round. Everything seemed to be pointing towards a titanic battle for the title, but a sudden and intense pain in his wrist forced him to seek treatment during the third round, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from the competition before the final round, scheduled for 10:30 local time last Saturday.
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The PGA Tour confirmed the worst-case scenario through its official communication channel: “Brooks Koepka WD (hand injury) before the final round of the RBC Canadian Open,” they announced on June 14. Despite all the efforts of the medical team overnight, the injury was deemed too severe to take any risks. Koepka chose to protect his hand, preferring not to jeopardize his presence at the U.S. Open, where expectations are extremely high.
The decision, although sensible, comes at a very delicate moment: Koepka has been competing non-stop since the beginning of the season, following the reintegration program on the PGA Tour. In the last four tournaments, he recorded three top finishes, including a tied 12th place at the Masters and a 14th at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. The Canadian Open was seen as the ideal launchpad to attack the U.S. Open, where he has already etched his name in history.
The drama intensified when, according to Rex Hoggard from Golf Channel, Koepka was seen receiving assistance from his coach, focusing on his left arm and elbow, shortly before heading to the course. Nevertheless, he assured that “during the warm-up, I felt perfectly fine. I was absolutely ready. Then, I got to the practice range, tried to grip the club, and I just couldn’t. I struggled like that all day. Only in the last holes did I feel some improvement. I don’t know if it was the effect of the medication or something else,” the golfer explained after the round.
During that fateful Saturday, Koepka, who was just two shots off the leader, failed to make any birdies until very late. Two consecutive birdies on the 13th and 14th still masked the damage, but he finished with a 72 (+2) and ultimately withdrew. Visibly disheartened, he confessed: “I don’t know what’s going on. I’m having trouble gripping the club with my ring and pinky fingers, so I can’t hold it. The club slips out of my hands, my fingers go numb. I have no idea what it is, but I hope we can figure it out.”
The news hit like a bombshell among fans, who immediately began questioning the champion’s chances at the U.S. Open, precisely at Shinnecock Hills — the site of his historic triumph in 2018. In that edition, Koepka overcame Tommy Fleetwood by a shot and became the first player in 29 years to win two consecutive U.S. Opens, despite having been sidelined for four months due to a ligament injury in his left wrist, the same injury that kept him out of this year’s Masters.
The atmosphere on social media turned to one of apprehension and disbelief. “This is not good for Brooks Koepka ahead of returning to Shinnecock next week,” wrote one fan, recalling the feat of 2018. Another, resigned, commented: “A repeat at Shinnecock doesn’t seem likely.” The anticipation is enormous, especially knowing that in that legendary victory, Koepka started with a 75 — the worst opening day score by a champion at Shinnecock since 1986 — but then made an epic recovery, with six consecutive birdies in the second round to get back in the hunt.
“Not good heading into the U.S. Open at Shinnecock, where he won in 2018. Status still to be determined for next week,” shared another fan. A final plea for hope echoed among the crowd: “Hopefully an extra day of treatment will get him ready for the U.S. Open.”
Looking ahead, Koepka and his medical team are now racing against time to recover his hand and ensure his presence at Shinnecock Hills. His absence would be a significant blow not only for the player but also for the tournament itself, which would lose one of its key protagonists. If he does recover, he will have to face the most demanding course in world golf under uncertain physical conditions — a scenario that only heightens the anticipation and drama surrounding the upcoming week. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: all eyes will be on Brooks Koepka when the U.S. Open kicks off.
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