Golf world number one Scottie Scheffler was handcuffed and arrested by police early Friday after allegedly trying to drive around traffic controls outside the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
In one of the strangest scenes ever at a major tournament, Scheffler was taken into custody by police, booked with a mugshot taken in an orange jumpsuit, released, then taken back to the course for breakfast and practice before finally teeing off in the second round.
Scheffler was detained by Louisville Metro police when he drove onto curbing to try and get around an accident at the entrance of the golf course, one that resulted in the fatality of a pedestrian.
Scheffler was charged with assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic and released on his own recognizance.
While on the driving range preparing to tee off, Scheffler released a statement about the incident.
“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,” Scheffler said. “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 into perspective.”
Two-time Masters champion Scheffler arrived at Valhalla’s clubhouse about 30 minutes after his release and just under an hour before his 10:08 a.m. (1408 GMT) start time off the 10th tee for the second round, which began after an 80-minute delay due to the accident.
“We were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club,” the PGA of America said in a statement.
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