Brooks Koepka Withdraws from Canadian Open: What Happened?

Hip Injury Forces Koepka to Withdraw

Brooks Koepka withdrew from the 2024 RBC Canadian Open on Tuesday, citing a left hip injury. The four-time major champion announced his decision just one day before the tournament's first round, leaving organizers to adjust the field on short notice.

"It's a tough decision, but my hip isn't ready to compete at this level," Koepka said in a statement. "I need to focus on recovery and be ready for the U.S. Open."

The injury marks the latest physical setback for Koepka, who has previously undergone knee surgery and dealt with a wrist issue. His durability has been a recurring question throughout his career, despite his success in major championships.

Koepka's Recent Form Suffers Amid Injury Concerns

Koepka's withdrawal follows a stretch of disappointing results that may now be explained by the hip issue. At the PGA Championship two weeks ago, he finished T-45, failing to defend his title. In his previous five starts, he recorded only one top-10 finish and missed the cut at the Masters.

• PGA Championship: T-45 (failed to defend 2023 title)
• Masters: Missed cut (+5)
• RBC Heritage: T-33
• Zurich Classic: T-20 (team event)
• Valero Texas Open: T-10 (only top-10 in stretch)

The inconsistency in his driving accuracy and scoring suggests the hip has been bothering him for weeks, raising doubts about his readiness for the upcoming U.S. Open.

Canadian Open Field Loses Another Star Player

Koepka's absence strips the RBC Canadian Open of one of its most recognizable names. Coupled with the pre-tournament withdrawals of Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm, the field now lacks several of the PGA Tour's biggest draws.

"We're disappointed to lose Brooks, but we understand his need to prioritize health," said tournament director Bryan Crawford. "The field still has depth, but it's a blow to the star power."

• Scottie Scheffler (skipped event)
• Jon Rahm (skipped event)
• Brooks Koepka (withdrew due to injury)
• Rory McIlroy (committed, could become centerpiece)

Local favorite Mackenzie Hughes and other Canadians now see a clearer path to contention, but television ratings and fan engagement may suffer without marquee names.

Key Takeaways

The withdrawal carries significant implications for both Koepka and the tournament. Here are the essential facts.

1. Koepka's hip injury is his third major physical issue, following knee and wrist problems.
2. His poor recent results—T-45 at PGA, missed cut at Masters—are likely linked to the injury.
3. The Canadian Open now lacks Scheffler, Rahm, and Koepka, reducing its star power.
4. Pressure mounts on Rory McIlroy or other top players to carry the event's profile.
5. Timing is critical: the withdrawal comes just before the U.S. Open, where Koepka hopes to compete.
6. Next steps include rest and treatment; his 2024 major season may be in jeopardy if the hip doesn't respond.