Full Breakdown
Brooks Koepka Withdraws from RBC Canadian Open Amid Hand Injury, Casting Doubt on U.S. Open Participation
6/15/2026, 1:11:43 AM
Core Event: Withdrawal from Final Round
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka pulled out of the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, June 14, 2026, before his final-round tee time at TPC Toronto. The PGA Tour cited a hand injury that left Koepka unable to grip his club. At the time of withdrawal he was tied for 32nd, seven shots behind leader Jackson Suber.
Background: Return to the PGA Tour and Recent Form
Koepka rejoined the PGA Tour in early 2026 after four seasons on LIV Golf under the Returning Member Program. In his first 11 starts of the season he posted six top-20 finishes, including a T12 at the Masters and a tie for ninth at the Cognizant Classic. His early-season momentum positioned him as a potential contender for the upcoming U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where he captured the title in 2018 and previously won in 2017.
Timeline of the Canadian Open
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 9 | Opens with a 6-under 64, entering a six-way tie for the lead. |
| June 10 | Posts a 68, remaining near the top of the leaderboard. |
| June 12 | Scores a 2-over 72 in round three; reports numbness in ring and pinkie fingers. |
| June 14 (morning) | Withdraws before final round after unsuccessful warm-up attempt. |
| June 18 | U.S. Open begins at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, NY. |
Data & Statistics: Performance and Stakes
- Opening-round 64 placed Koepka in a six-way tie for first.
- After round three he was eight-under overall, later slipping to seven-under after the 72.
- Withdrawal forfeits potential FedEx Cup points; Koepka holds no status for the remaining Signature Events.
- Koepka’s career includes two U.S. Open victories (2017, 2018) and three additional major titles.
Official Statements & Responses
The PGA Tour announced the withdrawal, confirming the hand injury as the cause. Koepka told reporters he was “struggling to grip the club with my ring finger and pinkie finger” and described the sensation as “numb.” He added that treatment on the course did not resolve the issue and that he was uncertain of the injury’s exact nature. No definitive comment was provided regarding his ability to compete in the U.S. Open, though he remains listed in the field.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the injury’s impact on grip, but none disclose a medical diagnosis or timeline for recovery. Koepka’s participation in the U.S. Open remains unconfirmed, leaving a gap in official tournament communications.
Why It Matters: Impact on the U.S. Open and Rankings
Koepka’s potential absence would remove a two-time champion from a venue where he has previously succeeded, altering the competitive landscape. Missing the event also eliminates an opportunity to earn FedEx Cup points that could improve his standing for future Signature Events. Media attention on his health adds narrative weight to the U.S. Open’s opening round.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t know what it is. I’m struggling to grip the club with my ring finger and pinkie finger, so can’t grip it. So the club is kind of just, my fingers would come loose, it was kind of numb. I don’t know what the deal was but hopefully we’ll figure it out,” — Brooks Koepka, Golfer
- “So the club is kind of just, my fingers would come loose, it was kind of numb.” — Brooks Koepka, Golfer
- “Then got to the range and went to grip the club and I just couldn't even grip it.” — Brooks Koepka, Golfer
- “I don't know if that's just the meds kicked in or what it is but hopefully we'll figure it out now.” — Brooks Koepka, Golfer
What’s Next: Upcoming U.S. Open
The U.S. Open starts Thursday, June 18, at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Koepka remains on the entry list, but his participation will depend on the resolution of the hand injury reported at the Canadian Open. Tournament officials have not issued a statement on a possible replacement or contingency plan.
