World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has been charged with assaulting a police officer outside Valhalla Golf Club just hours before the commencement of his second round at the PGA Championship.
Videos were leaked on social media of what looked like Scheffler handcuffed and being escorted into the back of a police vehicle. Later on, a mugshot of the two-time major winner was released by The Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections and he has charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer.
Earlier in the day, play has been suspended due to an unrelated traffic incident nearby which saw a person lose their life.
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, a shuttle bus hit and killed a pedestrian outside the golf club.
In a statement released on social media following his arrest, 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.”
Scottie Scheffler court date
Due to Scottie Scheffler’s arrest during last week’s US PGA Championship at Valhalla, his court case has been rescheduled for June 3. The 27-year-old’s arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, but he was taken into custody on Friday, May 17, after attempting to drive into Valhalla Golf Club in heavy traffic.
Scheffler had begun his PGA Championship by carding a four-under-par 67 in the first round on Thursday, which placed his five shots behind leader Xander Schauffele.