In a stunning turn of events, reigning Masters champion and the world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested Friday morning on his way to compete in the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
The incident unfolded amid a chaotic scene after a tragic pedestrian fatality near the course entrance.
Eyewitness reports say Scheffler was handcuffed by police and taken into custody around 6 a.m., just hours before his scheduled 8:48 a.m. tee time.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Scheffler was driving a PGA-marked SUV but allegedly failed to follow the instructions of an officer directing traffic heading into the course.
Police said Scheffler was booked at 7:28 a.m. on charges including second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals. The 26-year-old golfer, clad in gym shorts and a t-shirt, looked stunned as he was placed in the back of a police car.
“Please help me,” he reportedly asked Darlington as he was being arrested.
Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, characterized the incident as a misunderstanding, stating that his client was “proceeding exactly as he was directed in a marked vehicle with credentials.”
“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,” Scheffler said in a statement. “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,” he said. “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.”
Scheffler was released from custody and returned to Valhalla by 9:12 a.m., just in time to warm up for his second-round 10:08 a.m. tee time. Fans welcomed him back with shouts of support, including one who yelled, “free Scottie!”
The PGA of America identified the deceased pedestrian as an employee of one of its vendors.
“This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship,” the organization said in a statement. “We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
The fatal accident occurred around 5:09 a.m. when a bus struck the man as he was crossing the road in a lane dedicated to tournament traffic. Police spokesman Dwight Mitchell told local radio station WHAS that the bus driver did not see the pedestrian in the dark conditions.
The incident caused significant traffic delays on the only road leading to the golf course, with cars backed up for about a mile in both directions. Dozens of police vehicles with flashing lights added to the chaotic scene as PGA-marked vehicles attempted to navigate the congestion.
Scheffler’s arrest and the surrounding circumstances made for a surreal start to an already tumultuous week at the PGA Championship, which had been impacted by wild weather.
The top-ranked golfer, coming off a dominant stretch that included his second Masters victory and four wins in his last five tournaments, now faces the added challenge of refocusing on his game after a traumatic morning.
Despite the distractions, Scheffler managed to open the tournament with a solid 4-under 67, putting him just five shots off the lead as he aims to become only the fifth player since 1960 to win the first two majors of the year