U.S. Open Injury Report: Brooks Koepka Cleared to Play Shinnecock, Collin Morikawa Returns

The 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills is shaping up to be a grueling test of attrition before the first tee shot is even struck. As the world's best golfers converge on the historic Southampton layout, several marquee names are battling physical ailments that threaten to shift the competitive landscape. Injuries to major champions not only alter the betting odds but also create compelling narratives of resilience and recovery. For fans and analysts alike, the week leading into the season's third major has been dominated by medical updates, MRI results, and questions about biomechanical readiness. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, the prevailing theme is one of determination, as top competitors push through discomfort to claim their place in one of the sport's most prestigious events.[4][7]

The most closely monitored situation involves five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who sent shockwaves through the golf world when he withdrew from the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday. Koepka had opened the tournament with a scintillating 64, tying for the lead, but his physical condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend. During Saturday's third round, he began experiencing severe numbness in the ring and pinky fingers of his left hand, rendering him unable to properly grip the club. The issue forced him to shoot a two-over 72 before officially pulling out of the event prior to the final round. The sudden withdrawal immediately raised alarms about his availability for Shinnecock Hills, a venue where he famously captured the U.S. Open title in 2018.[3][6][7]

Fortunately for Koepka and his supporters, subsequent medical evaluations provided a wave of relief. The 36-year-old underwent comprehensive scans in Toronto and New York on Sunday and Monday, specifically targeting the C5 and C6 vertebrae in his neck and upper back—areas he had previously herniated in 2021. Those structural scans came back entirely clear, ruling out catastrophic disc damage. Koepka's medical support team has since narrowed the potential culprits down to two primary suspects: ulnar nerve inflammation or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, both of which can cause the localized numbness he experienced. While the discomfort remains a hurdle, the absence of structural damage has cleared the runway for his participation.[1][2]

Armed with the encouraging medical news, Koepka has made his intentions unequivocally clear. Despite the lingering nerve issues, he plans to tee it up alongside Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup on Thursday morning. "I'm gonna go this week," Koepka confirmed to reporters, dispelling rumors of a looming withdrawal. His decision to play underscores the immense gravity of the U.S. Open and his personal connection to Shinnecock Hills. While managing the pain and grip strength will be an ongoing challenge throughout the 72-hole gauntlet, Koepka's track record of performing under physical duress makes him a dangerous contender even at less than one hundred percent.[1][2]

Meanwhile, two-time major champion Collin Morikawa is making his own highly anticipated return to the field following a strategic physical reset. Morikawa has been quietly grinding through a persistent lower back injury since he was forced to withdraw from The Players Championship after just one hole in March. Although he managed to fight through the pain to secure a top-10 finish at the Masters in April, he was visibly uncomfortable, frequently wincing after aggressive swings. Recognizing the need for proper recovery, Morikawa opted to skip the recent Memorial Tournament, utilizing the time to rest his back and welcome his first child, Katherine, into the world.[4][5]

The brief hiatus appears to have paid dividends for the 29-year-old star. Arriving at Shinnecock Hills, Morikawa expressed a renewed sense of optimism regarding his physical state, noting that his swing feels significantly better than it has in months. The primary hurdle now is psychological. Morikawa admitted he is still trying to "trust" that his back will hold up under the explosive torque required by modern professional golf. "I'm doing the right steps to prevent it, but when it happens like that it's in a sense a little bit of trauma that you just kind of have to deal with," he explained. Rebuilding that biomechanical confidence will be his central focus during the early practice rounds.[4][5]

While Koepka and Morikawa are pushing forward, PGA Tour rookie Marco Penge has taken the difficult but commendable step of withdrawing from the U.S. Open to prioritize his long-term well-being. The 29-year-old Englishman had successfully qualified for what would have been his first career start in the prestigious major. However, Penge has been locked in an exhausting eight-month health battle that began with a severe viral infection last November. The illness triggered a cascade of lingering symptoms, including debilitating vertigo and sinus complications that previously forced him out of the Sony Open and the Myrtle Beach Classic.[4]

In an era where athletes are often pressured to play through illness, Penge's transparent approach to his health is a refreshing display of maturity. Following an MRI and consultations with multiple specialists, he concluded that competing at Shinnecock would be detrimental to his recovery. "My health is the number one priority for now and until I get to the bottom of the issues I will not be competing," Penge wrote in a statement, adding that his ultimate goal is to return fully fit. His decision highlights a growing cultural shift within professional sports, where athletes are increasingly empowered to listen to their bodies and prioritize sustainable careers over short-term milestones.[4]

The physical status of these players will be heavily tested by the sheer brutality of Shinnecock Hills. Known for its punishing length, unpredictable coastal winds, and notoriously thick fescue rough, the course demands absolute precision and immense physical stamina. Players dealing with grip issues, like Koepka, will find the thick rough particularly treacherous, as extracting the ball requires tremendous hand and forearm strength. Similarly, the uneven lies and steep undulations will place constant stress on Morikawa's recovering lower back. Navigating this historic venue is a grueling physical exam even for the healthiest competitors, amplifying the stakes for those carrying injuries.[2][7]

Ultimately, the 2026 U.S. Open injury report serves as a testament to the resilience required at the pinnacle of professional golf. The storylines converging at Shinnecock Hills offer a fascinating cross-section of athletic recovery: Koepka battling through acute nerve pain, Morikawa seeking to rebuild trust in a healed back, and Penge making the wise choice to step away and heal. As the tournament unfolds, the physical endurance of these athletes will be just as captivating as their shot-making, reminding fans that behind every major championship run is an unseen battle of biomechanics, medical science, and sheer human willpower.[1][4]