Scottie Scheffler: World number one arrested by police near PGA Championship
World number one Scottie Scheffler has been charged with assaulting a police officer outside Valhalla Golf Club hours before the second round at the US PGA Championship.
Scheffler was released in time to take to the course on Friday for a tee time of 10:08am (15:08 BST).
The Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, who posted a photo of the 27-year-old man, said he was booked at 7:28 a.m. local time and released at 8:40 a.m.
Speaking upon arriving at the field for the second round, Scheffler said the incident was a “big misunderstanding”.
Scheffler was charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding a police traffic signal.
This year’s second Major was delayed 80 minutes on Friday because of an unrelated accident near the field.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) said a shuttle bus struck and killed a pedestrian outside a golf club.
Scheffler, who was not involved in the accident, reportedly tried to avoid the scene of the incident before being stopped.
“This morning, I proceeded as directed by the police,” Scheffler said.
“It was a very chaotic situation, understandably given the tragic accident that had preceded it, and there was a huge misunderstanding about what I thought I was being asked to do.
“I never intended to ignore any instructions. I hope to put this aside 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 this morning’s accident. It really puts things into perspective.”
Video captured of the scene outside the golf course in Louisville, Kentucky shows Scheffler being handcuffed and being led into the back of a police car.
Scheffler, who has won four of his last five matches, posted a 4-under-par 67 in the first round on Thursday after a remarkable start that saw him bogey a 167-yard nine-iron for an eagle two on the opening hole.
He is chasing a third straight victory after winning the Masters and RBC Heritage in April before taking three weeks off to give birth to his first child.
