Concerning News Emerges for Brooks Koepka During The Open

Concerning News Emerges for Brooks Koepka During The Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Brooks Koepka has always been a surprising take on golf’s biggest stages. With five major wins under his belt, the Smash GC captain knows how to rise to the occasion. But as the 2025 Open Championship tees off at Royal Portrush, questions hang over Koepka’s readiness, both physically and mentally.

The final major of the year has begun in Antrim, Northern Ireland, with Rory McIlroy returning to familiar turf and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler entering as the favorite. Defending champion Xander Schauffele, along with LIV stars Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, are all in the mix for the Claret Jug.

However, it’s Koepka's quiet lead-up to the tournament that's now raising eyebrows. According to coach Pete Cowen, “Brooks has got a little twinge in his knee,” a worrying detail for a player already under the radar this week. Despite looking calm during Wednesday’s practice in the sunshine, his recent form hasn’t been stellar. Ranked 28th in the LIV standings, and coming off a fiery withdrawal at LIV Dallas, Koepka is searching for his spark.

Been watching the Sky coverage this PM and learnt a few things which may or may not be of interest:

- Rory has hit it OB on the 1st 2/4 times in practice
- The ball Bryson wanted for this week didn't arrive in time
- Brooks has got a little twinge in his knee (per Pete Cowen)

— Sam Harrop (@sam_golf) July 16, 2025

He did show flashes of form at the U.S. Open, finishing T12, but his standards are higher. And skipping media duties this week? Very unlike him.

As for today’s leaderboard, not many have gone under par. Only Danes Thorbjørn Olesen and Rasmus Hojgaard are in the red. Padraig Harrington, Phil Mickelson and Marco Penge sit at even, while Harrington’s early momentum faded with back-to-back bogeys.

Koepka may be flying under the radar now but with his track record, this could be the calm before a storm or a sign of more trouble to come.

Related: Jordan Spieth Is Trending for the Wrong Reasons at The Open

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.