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Koepka Plays US Open Despite Finger Numbness

6/17/2026

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Summary

Koepka Plays Open

Brooks Koepka (36) will tee off at 7:30 a.m. ET Thursday in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
He reported pinky and ring finger numbness that began Friday night, withdrew from the RBC Canadian Open after a 72, and scans of his C5-C7 vertebrae were clear.
Doctors consider an ulnar-nerve flare-up or thoracic-outlet syndrome, but Koepka says his grip is sufficient and he will compete alongside Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup.

Summary

Koepka Adjusts Greens

Bryson Koepka said the Shinnecock greens are slower and less firm than he remembers.
He plans to play each hole backwards, adjusting to every pin location.
The USGA will hold a press conference Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET on high winds and course setup.
Koepka recalled Zach Johnson’s 2018 comment that the USGA had lost the course during his win.

History

Historical Context

Shinnecock Hills hosted the 1995 U.S. Open, where Corey Pavin claimed his only major by two strokes over Greg Norman, and again in 2018 when Brooks Koepka successfully defended his title, becoming the third post-World II player to do so. The course’s historically soft greens have repeatedly forced players to adjust equipment and strategy, prompting the USGA to tighten green-speed protocols for future majors.

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Koepka Plays Open

Brooks Koepka (36) will tee off at 7:30 a.m. ET Thursday in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
He reported pinky and ring finger numbness that began Friday night, withdrew from the RBC Canadian Open after a 72, and scans of his C5-C7 vertebrae were clear.
Doctors consider an ulnar-nerve flare-up or thoracic-outlet syndrome, but Koepka says his grip is sufficient and he will compete alongside Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup.

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