Golf champion Scottie Scheffler described his arrest on the way to the PGA Championship in Valhalla, Kentucky on Friday morning as “a big misunderstanding” following “a very chaotic situation”.
The world number one was arrested just hours before he was due to tee off, after failing to stop for a police officer near the entrance to the club. He was heard pleading for help before being taken to a local police station.
Scheffler faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic. He was released and made his way to the course less than an hour before he was due to tee off, at the revised time of 3.08pm BST (10.08am local time).
He was reportedly trying to enter the course despite heavy traffic caused by an unrelated fatal collision involving a pedestrian. ESPN reported that the accident led to a police presence around the entrance to the course, with Scheffler’s car halted after attempting to drive past officers.
In a statement, Scheffler said: “This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I'm hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.
“Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective.”
Remarkable footage showed the 27-year-old leaving his car and being placed in handcuffs. The golfer, wearing a polo shirt and black shorts, was led away by two officers and placed into a car after pleading for help, with an ESPN reporter being told “right now, he’s going to jail”.
Scheffler was booked by the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections (LMDP) at 7.28am local time (12.28pm BST).
The start of the second day’s play was delayed after the original accident.
“Play of Round 2 will begin at 8:35 AM (1.35pm BST),” the PGA Championship confirmed in a statement. “All Round 2 Starting Times are delayed 1 hour and 20 minutes from the originally published time. All spectator gates will open at 8:00 AM.”
Scheffler recorded a four-under round of 67 to sit tied for 12th after round one, five shots behind leader Xander Schauffele. Friday’s play may also be disrupted by inclement weather which is forecast to arrive at Valhalla.
