Brooks Koepka undergoing tests as US Open injury worry threatens hope for Shinnecock repeat

Brooks Koepka, who won the U.S.Open the last time it was played at Shinnecock, is dealing with an injury that threatens to hamper his bid to repeat his 2018 feat this week at the venerable windswept course on Eastern Long Island.According to a report in Golfweek, Koepka — who withdrew from the final round of the Canadian Open on Sunday — spent Monday in Manhattan undergoing scans of the C5 and C6 vertebrae in his neck.

In 2021, he herniated the C6 and C7 vertebrae.Koepka said he began experiencing weakness in the pinky and ring fingers of his left hand after his second round in Canada on Friday night, and it flared up again when he began his warmup Saturday, making it difficult to grip the golf club.Koepka, a five-time major winner and two-time winner of the U.S.Open, was not at Shinnecock Hills on Monday but told Golfweek he plans to be there Tuesday, although how much he’ll be able to play is uncertain.Koepka has no plans to withdraw, however, adding, “I’m gonna go this week.”Wyndham Clark is back at the U.S.

Open, looking for some “redemption” after a disappointing showing at Oakmont last year that ended with him missing the cut and damaging a locker at the club.It was an episode that Clark is still remorseful about a year later.“That was a really challenging time and something I’ve deeply regretted and feel awful that I did that,” Clark said.“But there were so many good lessons in that that really taught me a bunch.

I’ve really come a long way, and I’m excited for this year’s Open for some redemption and to move forward and enjoy the challenges of Shinnecock and how great this place is and how amazing this championship is.”The incident was not addressed further during his media availability Monday.Clark was banned by Oakmont for the outburst, but the club would consider lifting the ban if he paid for the damages, made a charitable contribution and took anger management courses.Clark arrived at Shinnecock three years removed fr...