Brooks Koepka's Pinky Went Numb, And Now He Thinks His Game Is BETTER Than 2018!

Alright, fam, you are NOT going to believe this. Brooks Koepka, the five-time major champ, is officially teeing it up at the U.S. Open this week, but get this: his left hand is not even at 100%. He's got a nerve injury that’s messing with his grip strength, yet he's still saying it's "good enough" to go out there and chase another major. This dude is built different. The biggest question for all of us watching back here in the Emerald City: can he really contend when his own body is kinda working against him?

Numb Fingers and a Major Bet

So, what happened? Koepka pulled out of the RBC Canadian Open last Sunday before the final round because of this hand injury. Talk about a curveball! He was faced with a massive decision: sit out the third major of the year or tough it out at Shinnecock Hills, a course where he actually won in 2018. His answer to Golfweek on Monday night was classic Brooks: "I'm gonna go." When he met with reporters Tuesday afternoon, he spilled the beans on the injury. It's a ulnar nerve issue that "flared up a little bit," leaving his pinky and ring fingers numb. The weirdest part? No pain, just that super annoying tingly sensation, like hitting your funny bone all the time. He started the Canadian Open strong with rounds of 64 and 68, but after a third-round 72 and treatment on the 11th tee box Saturday, he had to withdraw. S

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

cans ruled out a neck injury, thankfully. He felt "quite a bit of improvement" on Tuesday and wouldn't have even played a practice round if it hadn't gotten better. Still, his grip strength isn't 100%, and he said those fingers felt "very weak," like they were coming off the club at impact. Yikes!

Return to Shinnecock: Better Than Ever?

Despite the hand drama, Koepka isn't holding back on the confidence front. This is the same guy who snagged his second of two consecutive U.S. Open championships at Shinnecock Hills in 2018. And when asked how his current form stacks up to that peak year, he straight-up believes he's just as good. Even wilder: he thinks his "ball-striking is even better than what it's been" and he had a "great week putting last week." What?! A numb hand and he's feeling *better*? He's been back on the PGA Tour since January after more than three years away, and he’s already landed in the top 20 in six events this year, including the Masters Tournament. This course is known for being super difficult, demanding creativity and precision with angles. If he’s right about his game being sharper than ever, even with a wonky hand, then this is going to be a wild ride. Brooks is set to tee off Thursday at 7:30 a.m. ET, paired up with Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup. You know we'll be glued to every shot. Can he really pull off another major win at Shinnecock Hills with this nerve issue? The stakes couldn't be higher. Let's GO!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.