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Brooks Koepka Signals Hand Recovery Ahead of 2026 U.S. Open
On a quiet Tuesday at Shinnecock Hills, Brooks Koepka walked the fairways that once crowned him champion, and the sound of his swing whispered a hopeful verdict. The five‑time major winner said a nine‑hole practice session at the home of the 2026 U.S. Open was a positive sign that his left hand would be ready for the tournament that begins on June 18.
The session was Koepka’s first time teeing the course since his 2018 victory. He noted that he could grip the clubs and swing without pain, describing the experience as a “good sign.” The U.S. Open, staged by the United States Golf Association (USGA), will run Thursday through Sunday at the William Flynn‑designed course in Southampton, New York.
Koepka’s hand trouble began earlier in the month. He withdrew from the final round of the RBC Canadian Open on June 14 after a 2‑over‑par 72 left him unable to hold the club properly. Numbness in the same hand made each swing feel uncertain, and the decision to skip the final round came just four days before the U.S. Open, leaving his status in doubt.
The golfer, who turned professional in 2012 and earned a three‑win promotion on the Challenge Tour in 2013, has amassed five major championships: the 2017 and 2018 U.S. Opens, the 2018 and 2019 PGA Championships, and the 2023 PGA Championship. After joining LIV Golf in 2022 and claiming multiple titles there, he returned to the PGA Tour in 2026.
The U.S. Open is the third of the four major golf championships and is known for its demanding setup, which emphasizes accurate driving and precise short‑game play. Shinnecock Hills has hosted the event six times, most recently in 2018 when Koepka secured his second U.S. Open title.
Following his withdrawal, Koepka’s team confirmed that he was working on recovery and had no plans to miss the U.S. Open. The practice session at Shinnecock Hills was the first public indication that his hand was improving. While no medical report has been released, the fact that he could complete nine holes without pain suggests the numbness has lessened.
The USGA has not issued any statements regarding Koepka’s eligibility, but the tournament’s entry list includes him as a participant. The 2026 U.S. Open field also features other top players such as Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, and Rory McIlroy.
Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour after a year in LIV Golf adds another chapter to his career narrative. His performance in the past season, including a win at the Phoenix Open, demonstrated that he remains a contender in major championships.
The U.S. Open will run from Thursday, June 18, to Sunday, June 21, with the final round scheduled for the third Sunday. The course’s layout, featuring dunes and narrow fairways, will test the players’ precision.
Koepka’s situation illustrates the impact of injuries on elite golfers and the importance of recovery time before major tournaments. His recent practice session suggests that he may be ready to compete, but the outcome will depend on his hand’s condition as the tournament approaches.
The 2026 U.S. Open will be the 126th edition of the championship and will offer a $21.5 million purse, the largest of the four majors. Koepka’s participation will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as he seeks to add a sixth major title to his résumé.
As the tournament nears, Koepka’s status remains a key storyline. The USGA, the PGA Tour, and the player’s team will likely provide further updates on his readiness in the coming days.
The session was Koepka’s first time teeing the course since his 2018 victory. He noted that he could grip the clubs and swing without pain, describing the experience as a “good sign.” The U.S. Open, staged by the United States Golf Association (USGA), will run Thursday through Sunday at the William Flynn‑designed course in Southampton, New York.
Koepka’s hand trouble began earlier in the month. He withdrew from the final round of the RBC Canadian Open on June 14 after a 2‑over‑par 72 left him unable to hold the club properly. Numbness in the same hand made each swing feel uncertain, and the decision to skip the final round came just four days before the U.S. Open, leaving his status in doubt.
The golfer, who turned professional in 2012 and earned a three‑win promotion on the Challenge Tour in 2013, has amassed five major championships: the 2017 and 2018 U.S. Opens, the 2018 and 2019 PGA Championships, and the 2023 PGA Championship. After joining LIV Golf in 2022 and claiming multiple titles there, he returned to the PGA Tour in 2026.
The U.S. Open is the third of the four major golf championships and is known for its demanding setup, which emphasizes accurate driving and precise short‑game play. Shinnecock Hills has hosted the event six times, most recently in 2018 when Koepka secured his second U.S. Open title.
Following his withdrawal, Koepka’s team confirmed that he was working on recovery and had no plans to miss the U.S. Open. The practice session at Shinnecock Hills was the first public indication that his hand was improving. While no medical report has been released, the fact that he could complete nine holes without pain suggests the numbness has lessened.
The USGA has not issued any statements regarding Koepka’s eligibility, but the tournament’s entry list includes him as a participant. The 2026 U.S. Open field also features other top players such as Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, and Rory McIlroy.
Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour after a year in LIV Golf adds another chapter to his career narrative. His performance in the past season, including a win at the Phoenix Open, demonstrated that he remains a contender in major championships.
The U.S. Open will run from Thursday, June 18, to Sunday, June 21, with the final round scheduled for the third Sunday. The course’s layout, featuring dunes and narrow fairways, will test the players’ precision.
Koepka’s situation illustrates the impact of injuries on elite golfers and the importance of recovery time before major tournaments. His recent practice session suggests that he may be ready to compete, but the outcome will depend on his hand’s condition as the tournament approaches.
The 2026 U.S. Open will be the 126th edition of the championship and will offer a $21.5 million purse, the largest of the four majors. Koepka’s participation will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as he seeks to add a sixth major title to his résumé.
As the tournament nears, Koepka’s status remains a key storyline. The USGA, the PGA Tour, and the player’s team will likely provide further updates on his readiness in the coming days.
