Scottie Scheffler arrested at PGA Championship at Valhalla: Here’s what we know
Video of Scheffler's arrest captured by ESPN's Jeff Darlington.
Jeff Darlington/ESPN
It was a bizarre scene Friday morning at the PGA Championship as reports and later video confirmed World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler had been handcuffed and taken into custody by the Louisville Metro Police.
Scheffler was apparently trying to get around a traffic jam caused by a “serious accident” outside the gates of Valhalla Golf Club when he was stopped by police officers.
Scheffler was detained by police but has been released and arrived at Valhalla at 9:12 a.m. Here’s a list of what we do know about Scheffler’s situation and what is happening with the tournament.
Scottie Scheffler detained by police: What we know
(This post will be updated as new information becomes available)
A fatal accident outside Valhalla delayed Round 2
At 6:16 a.m. Friday, the PGA of America sent out a media notice that Round 2 at the PGA was delayed due to a “serious accident” near the course. The PGA eventually announced tee times were delayed one hour and 20 minutes.
According to press release from the Louisville Metro Police Department, at about 5 a.m. a man was hit by a shuttle bus and killed trying to cross Shelbyville Road, the road where the entrance to Valhalla is.
The PGA announced at 9:28 a.m. that the man killed was a vendor at the tournament. They released this statement:
“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 heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Traffic was blocked
According to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, traffic was blocked for a significant stretch outside the golf course due to the accident. Per Darlington, players, tournament officials and broadcast media were allowed through the roadblock.
ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington witnessed the arrest
According to Darlington, Scheffler, in a marked PGA Championship courtesy car, tried to drive around the crash scene on the median to get to the golf course. A police officer approached Scheffler’s car and told him to stop but Scheffler continued to drive another “10 to 20 yards.”
That’s when Darlington reported the officer “officer attached himself to the side of Scheffler’s car” and Scheffler stopped as he turned into the entrance of the golf course.
Scheffler asked for help
After about 20 to 30 seconds, Scheffler rolled down his window to speak to the officer, Darlington said. According to Darlington, “the officer grabbed Scheffler’s arm to pull him out of the vehicle.”
Scheffler was then pressed against the car and handcuffed, Darlington said.
That’s when Darlington started recording the video that quickly went viral on Twitter.
At the beginning, Scheffler turns back to ask Darlington, “Can you please help me?”
The police officers then tell Darlington to move back as Scheffler is walked across the road toward a police car.
Darlington follows the officers and Scheffler for a few more seconds before another officer stops him again.
“Here’s the thing, right now, he’s going to jail,” the officer tells Darlington. “And there ain’t nothing you can do about it.”
Officers’ attire
In videos from Darlington and ESPN, the Louisville police officers were wearing bright yellow safety vests.
Scheffler booked
At 8:06 a.m., the PGA of America informed ESPN that Scheffler was still in custody. His updated tee time is 10:08 a.m.
He was booked on 2nd degree assault of a police officer, 3rd degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from a police officer. His mugshot was released at 7:28 a.m.
Other players were delayed
Other players were caught in the traffic jam, although ESPN reported being told players were supposed to be allowed through, but video emerged of Will Zalatoris and Cameron Young leaving their cars with their families and walking down the road to the entrance.
Some players reportedly walked three miles.
Scheffler released around 8:40 a.m.
Around 8:40 a.m., ESPN reported that Scheffler was released from custody and on his way to Valhalla, expecting to arrive around 9 a.m. At 9:12 a.m., an unmarked Range Rover dropped off Scheffler and his agent at the front door of the Valhalla clubhouse.
Scheffler did not answer any questions as he quickly made his way into the clubhouse.
ESPN’s Marty Smith reported Scheffler quickly said to him “I love you, Marty” when asked for comment as he arrived.
Scheffler arrives on range
Around 9:35 a.m., about 33 minutes before his second-round tee time, Scottie Scheffler arrived on the practice range, dressed in full Nike gear. He was joined by caddie Tedd Scott and coach Randy Smith.
Rickie Fowler approached Scheffler as he walked down and went for a fist bump where he asked Scheffler if he was “all good?”
“All good,” Scheffler replied.
Makes 10:08 a.m. tee time
Scheffler arrived at 10:06 a.m. to the 10th tee at Valhalla with a raucous crowd on hand.
Chants of “Free Scottie” were met with roaring cheers from the crowd.
At 10:09 a.m., After playing partners Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman played away, Scheffler missed his tee shot in the right rough, officially getting his second round underway.
Louisville PD releases incident report
ESPN anchor Michael Eaves shared the Louisville Metro PD incident report from Scheffler’s arrest.
The report states the arresting officer, Detective Bryan Gillis, attempted to give instructions to Scheffler, which he then refused and accelerated forward, dragging the officer to the ground. According to the report, Det. Gillis suffered pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knee and was taken to the hospital by EMS. The report also stated Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at approximately $80 were “damaged beyond repair.”
According to court records, Scheffler has an arraignment scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
What would happen if he didn’t make his tee time?
GOLF has reached out to the PGA of America for comment, but Rule 5.3a in the Rules of Golf under “When to Start Round” lists “Exception 3 — Committee Decides that Exceptional Circumstances Prevented You from Starting on Time.” This essentially means that if Scheffler’s situation is not resolved in time to make his starting time, the tournament committee can decide on an exceptional circumstance allowing Scheffler to continue the event with no penalty.
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