Don’t panic if Brooks Koepka withdraws from Ryder Cup

After a few videos surfaced from the Ryder Cup on Monday, one familiar face was missing from all of them, and that was Brooks Koepka.

Eleven of the 12 American Ryder Cup members showed up to Whistling Straits to begin preparations for the upcoming event, and while it’s still a week away, I am starting to think Koepka isn’t going to play.

He had to withdraw at East Lake during the third round of the PGA TOUR Championship after he hurt his left wrist on a tree root. When it happened, Team USA captain Steve Stricker didn’t want to address it and pretty much said he would deal with it if the time came.

However, do we really know if he will be healthy enough to play and be competitive at this point?

Depending on the severity of his wrist injury, that could be something that nags him for a while. He isn’t even completely healthy from the knee issues, so would it be worth it?

In my opinion, it wouldn’t be worth potentially hurting himself even more. Not to mention, the 2020/21 Ryder Cup is one of the most anticipated in a while. The Americans actually have a chance to be competitive and possibly win. They’re playing on U.S. soil. Losing to the Europeans on our home turf hurts more than it does playing overseas.

I  have a sneaking suspicion that Koepka will withdraw by the end of the week — he should anyway. By withdrawing with enough time, it’ll give whoever gets called up a chance to bond with the team and prepare himself.

Now Koepka is one of the most dominant golfers in the game, and his mentality is incredible. Still, Golf Digest’s latest poster boy even had some controversial comments about the Ryder Cup, which make me question him altogether.

Koepka needs to focus on getting healthy and nothing else. If he wants to continue to be as successful as he has been, playing injured isn’t helping him prolong his career. It’s probably shortening it the more he plays hurt.

So don’t panic or be surprised when he withdraws from the event. While he qualified fair and square, I  think it would be in Stricker’s best interest to let him know it’s okay to withdraw. The Americans want to win if they aren’t worried about if Koepka is healthy enough to compete.

The Europeans are salivating at the fact that he may not be 100% and how they already have a point over the Americans. This Ryder Cup means war, and if we want to win it, having healthy players matters. Koepka can be an honorary captain and cheerleader.