Golf world number one Scottie Scheffler was handcuffed and arrested on Friday after allegedly dragging a police officer with his car while trying to avoid traffic controls outside the PGA Championship in Valhalla. In one of the strangest scenes of a major tournament, Scheffler was taken into custody by police, charged with a photo taken in an orange jumpsuit, released, returned to the field in time for the second round and later recovered well enough to fire a five under par 66 and share third place at the start of the second round.
“I still feel like my head is spinning a little bit, but I was fortunate enough to be able to come back and play golf,” Scheffler said. “I’ve stayed in the tournament now with a pretty chaotic day.”
Scheffler, 27, was charged with felonious assault on a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving and failure to signal a police officer directing traffic and released.
“My situation will be resolved,” Scheffler said. “I can’t comment on any specific details, but it was just a big misunderstanding that will be resolved quickly.”
Scheffler was detained by Louisville Metro Police after driving on the sidewalk trying to get around a previous accident at the Valhalla entrance that resulted in the death of a pedestrian named John Mills.
“My condolences go out to Mr. Mills’ family,” Scheffler said. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”
A police report on the incident obtained by ESPN said Officer Bryan Gillis said Scheffler disobeyed orders to stop his car and sped off, dragging the officer to the ground.
Gillis was hospitalized with pain, bruising and swelling in his left wrist and knee. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
“I never intended to disregard any of the instructions,” Scheffler said in a statement before his round.
Scheffler, who won his second Masters title last month, arrived at the Valhalla clubhouse about 30 minutes after his release and just under an hour before the start of the second round, which began after an 80-minute delay due to the accident. .
“We were devastated to learn that a worker at one of our suppliers was tragically struck and killed by a bus,” the PGA of America said in a statement. “This is heartbreaking for all of us involved in the PGA Championship.”
The PGA of America later identified Mills and said of Scheffler: “We are cooperating fully as local authorities review what happened.”
‘I was quite shaken’
Scheffler was taken from the reservation, by the owner of Valhalla Golf Club according to ESPN, to the clubhouse, where he ate breakfast and changed into his golf attire before heading to the driving range to prepare for his round.
“I was pretty shaken, to say the least,” Scheffler said. “I was shaking. I would say I was in shock and scared. Coming here and trying to play today was definitely a challenge, but I did my best.
“It probably took a few holes to make it look normal.”
Fans cheered as Scheffler walked through the rain onto the course and gave it a huge ovation just before his first shot hit the right rough on his way to an opening birdie.
“The fans were fantastic today,” Scheffler said. “I felt like they were cheering really loudly for me.”
A photo of Scheffler in an orange jumpsuit was published by the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections after he was booked. Some fans wore t-shirts on the course.
Scheffler has won four of his last five matches, conquering Bay Hill and the Players in March, losing in a playoff at the Houston Open and winning the Masters and Heritage last month.
American Mark Hubbard, at 133 with Scheffler, was surprised by his performance.
“I saw how everyone did the mug shot and the police report,” Hubbard said. “Unbelievable that he would get arrested and then go out and shoot 66.”
Scheffler was the feel-good story of the week in Valhalla, hoping to win his third major title a week after becoming a father for the first time. His wife, Meredith, gave birth to son Bennett nine days ago.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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