Brooks Koepka plans to compete in the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills despite dealing with an ulnar nerve issue affecting his left hand.

The five-time major champion withdrew before the final round of last week's RBC Canadian Open after experiencing weakness and numbness in the ring and pinkie fingers of his left hand. Those symptoms raised concerns about his ability to compete at full strength heading into one of golf's biggest events.

Koepka underwent imaging of his neck on Sunday in Canada and again on Monday in New York. According to Koepka, both scans came back clean. The tests were particularly notable given his history of cervical spine issues, including herniated discs at the C5 and C6 levels in 2021.

Despite the lingering symptoms, Koepka said he intends to play.

"I don't think the grip strength is a hundred percent, but it's good enough," Koepka said. "There's no pain. There's absolutely no pain. It just feels like you hit your funny bone all the time."

Key Facts

  • Injury: Ulnar nerve irritation affecting left hand

  • Symptoms: Weakness and numbness in ring and pinkie fingers

  • Recent Withdrawal: RBC Canadian Open final round

  • U.S. Open Status: Plans to play

  • Neck Imaging: Reportedly negative

  • Grip Strength: Not yet back to 100%

Pro Football Doc Analysis

According to Pro Football Doc, the biggest concern is how the nerve issue impacts Koepka's grip strength and feel around the golf course.

As a right-handed golfer, Koepka's left hand serves as his power hand during the swing. Grip strength, touch and feel are critical components of performance, particularly at a major championship setup like the U.S. Open.

Pro Football Doc noted that nerve-related issues typically do not improve significantly within a matter of days.

"Remember, this is his left power hand as a right-handed golfer," Pro Football Doc said. "Grip is vitally important as well as touch and feel. Very hard to win a golf tournament and play well if things aren't 100%."

Pro Football Doc added that Koepka's decision to withdraw from the RBC Canadian Open and the timing of the U.S. Open suggest he is attempting to compete through an injury that may still affect his performance.

"A nerve issue or thoracic outlet syndrome issue is not something that gets better in a couple of days," Pro Football Doc said. "If it weren't the U.S. Open, he probably would sit it out, but being one of the majors here, he's going to try and play."

Bottom Line

Brooks Koepka will play in the U.S. Open despite ongoing symptoms related to an ulnar nerve issue in his left hand. Although neck imaging reportedly showed no structural concerns, weakness and numbness remain present, and grip strength has not fully returned. According to Pro Football Doc, the injury could significantly impact Koepka's performance because it affects his power hand and is unlikely to fully resolve before the tournament begins.