U.S. Open Injury Report: Brooks Koepka and Collin Morikawa Cleared for Shinnecock Hills

The 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills is set to feature a star-studded field, as two of the game's biggest names have officially been cleared to play following recent injury scares. Both Brooks Koepka and Collin Morikawa arrived in Southampton, New York, with lingering physical questions, but both have confirmed they will tee it up on Thursday morning. The presence of these multiple-time major champions provides a massive boost to the tournament's profile, ensuring that the grueling links-style layout on Long Island will test the absolute best in the sport. Major championships define golf legacies, and the willingness of these athletes to push through physical discomfort highlights the immense stakes of the week. For fans and tournament organizers alike, the confirmation that Koepka and Morikawa are ready to compete transforms the narrative from one of injury concern to one of gritty determination.[1][4]

Koepka, who famously won the U.S. Open the last time it was held at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, sent shockwaves through the golf world when he abruptly withdrew from the final round of the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday. The 36-year-old had opened the tournament with a blistering 64 to share the early lead, but by Saturday, he was visibly struggling to hold onto his clubs. He was dealing with a mysterious numbness in his left hand that made it nearly impossible to maintain a secure grip, causing him to tumble 25 spots down the leaderboard after a painful 2-over 72. Trainers accompanied him throughout the third round, administering treatment on the course, but the wet conditions in Toronto only seemed to exacerbate the issue, forcing his early exit and casting serious doubt on his major championship availability.[5][6]

Following his withdrawal, Koepka underwent a battery of medical evaluations to identify the root cause of the sudden weakness. After a neck scan came back completely clean—ruling out the cervical spine issues that had hindered him in 2021—Koepka and his medical team determined the problem was an isolated ulnar nerve flare-up. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Koepka described the bizarre sensation as feeling like he had constantly hit his "funny bone." He explained that the numbness and weakness primarily affected his pinky and ring fingers, particularly during the transition phase of his downswing, where it felt as though his fingers were simply coming off the golf club. Fortunately, he noted that the condition is entirely painless, which is both a relief and a source of mild frustration for a player accustomed to pushing through traditional physical pain.[1][2]

Despite the lack of full grip strength, Koepka took to the course for a nine-hole practice round on Tuesday alongside Graeme McDowell, displaying no visible signs of injury. He expressed immense excitement about simply being able to hold a golf club securely again, stating that while his grip pressure isn't quite at 100 percent, it is "good enough" to navigate the notoriously difficult Shinnecock layout. Koepka, who has a history of playing his best golf on the sport's most demanding setups, emphasized that the lack of pain gives him the confidence to swing freely. He is scheduled to tee off at 7:30 a.m. ET on Thursday alongside fellow Americans Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup, ready to rely on his trademark mental toughness to compensate for any lingering physical limitations.[2][3][5]

Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa is managing a persistent and highly scrutinized back injury that first flared up during The Players Championship in March. The two-time major champion was forced to withdraw from the PGA Tour's flagship event after playing just one hole, sparking widespread concern about his long-term health. Since then, Morikawa has been grinding through varying levels of discomfort, carefully managing his practice reps and tournament schedule to keep his back functional. The repetitive torque required by the modern golf swing places immense stress on the lumbar spine, and Morikawa has admitted that he has rarely felt completely healthy over the past three months. His commitment to playing the U.S. Open underscores his dedication to the major championships, even as he navigates the delicate balance between competing at an elite level and risking further structural damage.[4]

Morikawa managed to play through the pain at the Masters in April, putting together a gritty performance that resulted in a tie for seventh place, though he was frequently seen wincing after aggressive swings. He also competed in the PGA Championship in May, but opted to skip the prestigious Memorial Tournament last week. While he noted that part of his absence from Muirfield Village was to celebrate the birth of his first child with his wife Katherine, he also acknowledged that his back desperately needed a "full reset." The week off allowed him to undergo intensive physical therapy and rest, aiming to reduce the inflammation that had been plaguing him throughout the spring.[4]

Speaking to reporters ahead of the U.S. Open, Morikawa admitted that he left the PGA Championship feeling highly uncomfortable and is still "a little bit on the edge" regarding his back's durability over a grueling 72-hole stretch. He emphasized that he is trying to "trust" his body and his swing, a difficult mental hurdle for any golfer dealing with a spinal injury. The thick fescue rough and firm, fast greens of Shinnecock Hills require explosive power and steep, jarring club-to-turf interactions, which are exactly the types of movements that can trigger back spasms. Nevertheless, Morikawa's elite iron play and strategic course management make him a formidable contender, provided his body allows him to execute his game plan without hesitation.[4]

While Koepka and Morikawa have been green-lit to compete, the U.S. Open field will be missing a few notable names due to severe health issues. Will Zalatoris, who has battled a string of devastating injuries over the past two years, remains sidelined after undergoing surgery for a partially torn labrum in May. His absence is a significant blow to the tournament, as his elite ball-striking is tailor-made for U.S. Open setups. Additionally, England's Marco Penge was forced to withdraw earlier in the week due to recurring neurological and health issues stemming from a severe viral infection he contracted late last year. Penge has been battling vertigo symptoms and sinus infections, prioritizing his long-term health over a start in the season's third major.[4]

The return of Koepka and Morikawa ensures that Shinnecock Hills will test a nearly complete roster of the game's elite. As the tournament officially begins, all eyes will be on how these champions manage their bodies against the punishing conditions of Long Island. The U.S. Open is widely considered the most physically and mentally exhausting week in professional golf, demanding absolute precision and resilience. For Koepka, the challenge will be maintaining control of the clubface through thick rough with a compromised grip, while Morikawa must survive the sheer rotational stress of four competitive rounds. Their presence not only elevates the drama of the championship but also serves as a testament to the extraordinary physical sacrifices required to chase golf's most coveted trophies.[1][4][5]