Scottie Scheffler has been released after he was detained by police near Valhalla Golf Club ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship; in a separate incident near the golf course, there was a fatal collision delaying the start of play
Friday 17 May 2024 22:24, UK
Scottie Scheffler resumed his PGA Championship on Friday after being arrested and released by police earlier in the morning near the Valhalla Golf Club.
Play had earlier been delayed on Friday due to a unrelated traffic accident close to the course which saw a pedestrian killed. It is understood Scheffler was trying to avoid the scene of the incident when he was stopped by police.
Scheffler has been charged with assault in the second degree of a police officer, criminal mischief in the third degree, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic.
An arraignment date has been set, with Scheffler set to appear on May 21 at 9am ET at the Kentucky Court of Justice.
In a statement released on Instagram, 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."
According to the police report, Detective Gillis stopped Scheffler's car and "attempted to give instruction".
The report read: "Subject refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging Detective Gillis to the ground. Detective Gillis suffered pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist and knees.
"He was transported to the hospital for further medical treatment by emergency medical personnel. Detective Gillis' uniform pants, valued at approximately $80 were damaged beyond repair."
In a video on social media earlier in the day from ESPN's Jeff Darlington, a police officer had been heard saying: "Right now he is going to jail and there isn't anything you can do about it."
Darlington, who watched the incident unfold, saw Scheffler being placed in handcuffs after a "misunderstanding" regarding traffic flow.
Darlington said on coverage: "Scottie Scheffler tried to enter Valhalla Golf Club using a side median, at which point a police officer instructed him to stop. Scheffler attempted to continue to go, the police officer then attached himself to the side of Scheffler's car.
"Scheffler stopped the vehicle as he turned into Valhalla Golf Club at the entrance, about 10 to 20 yards from the point at which the police officer first told him to stop. He reached inside, opened the car door, pulled Scheffler out, pushed him up against the car, immediately placed him in handcuffs."
Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections confirmed Scheffler's arrest on their website alongside a photo of him in a prison jumpsuit.
The police website states he was arrested at 7.28am ET (12.28 BST) and then released at 8.40am ET (13.40 BST), before arriving at Valhalla just over 30 minutes.
The first group was due to go out at 12.15pm BST but the start time was delayed until 1.35pm BST, with Scheffler - who had due to tee off at 8.48am local time - then teeing off at 10.08am and birdieing his opening hole of the day.
Scheffler was due to tee off at 8.48 ET (1.48pm BST) after shooting a four-under 67 in his first round, putting him five behind leader Xander Schauffele. He later teed off at 10.08 ET (3.08pm BST) and birdied his opening hole of the day.
The world No 1 resumed five strokes behind early pacesetter Xander Schauffele after carding a four-under 67 on the opening day. Scheffler has already won The Masters and The Players Championship in 2024 - part of four wins in five starts - and became a father last week when his wife Meredith welcomed their baby boy Bennett.
The PGA of America released a statement regarding the separate traffic collision, saying: "This morning 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.
"This is heart-breaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones."
A further statement from the PGA of America later in the day added: "Our primary concern today remains with the family of John Mills, who lost his life in a tragic accident early this morning while reporting to work.
"As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place. While the legal process plays out, questions should to be directed to Scheffler's attorney or local authorities."
Sky Sports' Kira Dixon, who was following Scheffler's movements at Valhalla, said: "I watched him arrive in an SUV as he went into player dining. I heard from sources inside dining that Scottie Scheffler popped his head in after arriving and just said, 'good morning, everybody'.
"He was smiling and in high spirits. He wolfed down a plate of eggs with his team, where they all put their heads together and agreed on a statement before Scheffler headed out to get in a quick warm-up.
"He headed out around 9.33am and crowds were surrounded to watch his warm-up. He briefly went through the bag, then also got some practice in the sand and spent just a few minutes putting before going to the 10th tee, where he was met with a quite an exclaiming crowd.
"Randy Smith, his long-time coach, was keeping him focused and keeping his spirits high ahead of him getting his round going. I spoke with Randy and he said he just gave him words of encouragement and told Scottie to focus on himself."
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