Brooks Koepka, the reigning U.S. Open champion, will return to the PGA Tour for the first time in four months when he makes a start next week at the Zurich Classic, according to the Associated Press.
Koepka injured his wrist late last year and hasn’t played after partially tearing the Extensor Capri Ulnaris (ECU) tendon in his wrist. The injury forced him to miss the Masters for the first time since the 2014 season.
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The AP reported that Koepka didn’t pick up a club for 91 days following the diagnosis. He injured it late last season in Japan and after finishing last at the Sentry Tournament of Champions went to the doctor.
“It was torn a lot worse than they originally thought,” Koepka told the AP. “The ligaments that hold the tendon in place were gone. Every time I went to the doctor, it seemed like it got worse and worse.”
The recovery included the withdrawing of bone marrow from his hip and injecting it into his left wrist. He also had platelet-rich plasma injections. Koepka, before the injury, rode the U.S. Open title to a strong second half. He had a victory in Japan, a runner-up at the World Golf Championship and two top-10 finishes and a top 20.
Brooks Koepka reacts on the 18th hole during the final round of the 2017 U.S. Open Championship at Erin Hills.
Koepka didn’t watch golf on TV during his recovery, the exception being the Masters. Now, he is aiming at returning to the Tour and defending his title at the U.S. Open in June at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island. Koepka will play with Marc Turnesa in the team event at the Zurich Classic.
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He had a strong season a year ago and feels there won’t be any issues getting back into the swing of things.
“I know where I’m at. I’m already back,” Koepka said. “I’ve played the game for 23, 24 years. Four months off, I’m not going to lose it.”
