July 2026 Golf Injury Report: Matthew Wolff Nears Return as Brooks Koepka Rests for The Open

The modern golf swing is a violent, high-torque kinetic chain, and as the 2026 summer schedule reaches its peak, the physical toll is coming due. But rather than grinding through the pain, today's elite players are prioritizing smart load management, rehabilitation, and long-term health. The latest injury updates across the global tours highlight a wave of resilience, with stars making calculated decisions to protect their bodies for the game's biggest stages.

Leading the preventative approach is five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who officially withdrew from the Genesis Scottish Open this week. The $9 million purse event at The Renaissance Club was meant to be his final tune-up, but Koepka is managing a lingering ulnar nerve issue in his hand. The flare-up, which causes numbness and weakness in his ring and pinky fingers during the swing transition, previously forced him out of the RBC Canadian Open.

Rather than risk further damage, Koepka is taking a cautious route. He reported that while his grip strength isn't at 100 percent, he is completely pain-free. By stepping away from the Scottish Open, he is giving his hand the necessary rest to ensure he is fully healthy and ready to contend at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale later this month.

On the LIV Golf circuit, Matthew Wolff is providing an optimistic update of his own. The RangeGoats GC star was forced to withdraw from recent events in Virginia and Dallas due to a persistent muscle strain. However, Wolff recently shared footage of his intensive gym rehabilitation, expressing excitement about his body's response to the treatment.[1]

"I've been really anxious to get back to the gym, the practice range, doing everything that I need to do in order to get back as soon as possible," Wolff told fans. He is now officially targeting LIV Golf UK by JCB, scheduled for July 25-27, for his competitive return. His impending comeback will be a massive boost for his team as they push toward the end-of-season championships.[1]

The sheer endurance required to maintain a weekly tour presence was evident at the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic, where both Seamus Power and Patrick Rodgers were forced to withdraw with back injuries. Power's exit came after a difficult first round at TPC Deere Run, where he aggravated a mid-right back muscle issue that stems from persistent hip problems dating back to late 2023. While frustrating, these week-to-week setbacks are a standard part of the professional grind, prompting players to work closely with physios to rebuild their core stability.[2]

But the ultimate testament to the power of rehabilitation belongs to Anthony Kim. After a devastating Achilles injury in 2012 forced him to walk away from professional golf, Kim spent 12 years battling physical and personal setbacks. His return to the sport this season—capped by an emotional victory at LIV Golf Adelaide in February—has been nothing short of historic.

This week, Kim's resilience was formally recognized when ESPN nominated him for "Best Comeback Athlete" at the 2026 ESPYS. He joins a shortlist of elite athletes across all sports, serving as a powerful reminder to players currently on the injury list: no matter how long the road to recovery, a triumphant return to the winner's circle is always within reach.