Koepka says hand issue is improving and he will play US Open

WASHINGTON: Brooks Koepka said on Tuesday that he intends to compete in this week’s US Open after pulling out of last week’s PGA Canadian Open because of a problem affecting his left hand.

The five-time major champion is returning to Shinnecock for the first time since his 2018 victory there, which completed back-to-back US Open titles. The 36-year-old American said he began feeling weakness in his left pinky and ring finger on Friday and Saturday, a problem that made it hard for him to hold the club properly. He withdrew from the Canadian Open on Sunday.

Koepka said the condition has been improving.

It's getting better day by day,

Koepka said Tuesday. He added:

Today there was quite a bit of improvement. I don't think I would have gone out and played if it wasn't.

He said he believes the issue is linked to the ulnar nerve and that it had flared up slightly, although he did not know what caused it. Koepka said he first noticed something unusual while watching television, describing a weak and tingling sensation in his wrist and fingers similar to the feeling of hitting a funny bone.

According to Koepka, the problem has not involved pain. He said he consulted a doctor and underwent a neck scan, which was negative for any neck-related cause. He said the examination helped confirm the nature of the issue.

Koepka said his hand is now functional enough for the demands of Shinnecock, where wind can make the course especially difficult. He said he can make all necessary movements, but the weakness in the ring finger and pinky had previously made it feel as though those fingers were coming off the club, particularly at impact.

He said his grip strength has not fully returned, but believes it is sufficient to compete. Koepka also said the absence of pain has made the issue unusual, because the persistent tingling sensation feels like striking a funny bone repeatedly.

The American, who is still in the early period of his return to the PGA Tour after leaving LIV Golf, said he feels his game is moving in the right direction. He said his ball-striking is stronger than it has been, and added that he had a very good week with the putter last week as he looks ahead to the challenge of the US Open.