This is a developing story that will be updated throughout the day.
LOUISVILLE — Scottie Scheffler began his second round at the 2024 PGA Championship after being arrested and released earlier Friday morning by Louisville Metro Police outside Valhalla Golf Club.
The World No. 1 golfer was charged with second degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
At around 6 a.m., Scheffler, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, drove past a police officer, presumably to enter the golf course and prepare for his second round. Entry to the course had been halted due to a traffic issue stemming from an accident outside the club unrelated to Scheffler in which a shuttle bus hit and killed a pedestrian early Friday morning. The officer, apparently in an attempt to stop Scheffler from proceeding, according to Darlington, tried attach himself to Scheffler’s car, followed by the officer telling Scheffler to get out of the vehicle. Scheffler was driving a marked player-courtesy vehicle.
According to local news reporter Eric Crawford, Scheffler's detainment stemmed from continuing to drive when asked to stop, and his car then "dragged" the officer, who left with minor injuries.
When Scheffler exited his car the officer shoved Scheffler, placed him in handcuffs and put him in the back of a police cruiser. ESPN video confirmed Darlington’s report.
Scheffler allegedly pleaded for help to an ESPN crew standing nearby. When Darlington attempted to intervene, the police officer responded, according to Darlington, “There’s nothing you can do, he’s going to jail.”
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Darlington added police officers had no idea who Scheffler was.
(!) with a marked courtesy car?
Scheffler was booked Louisville Metro Police at roughly 7:28 a.m., when the charges were officially filed. He was then released by police at 8:40 a.m. without bail and proceeded to Valhalla Golf Club in an effort to make his 10:08 a.m. tee time. An arraignment on the charges has been scheduled for for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21.
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Scheffler's mugshot as released by the Louisville PD.
Scheffler arrived at the course at 9:12 a.m., warmed up on the range and teed off along with Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark at their 10:08 a.m.
Scheffler, the World No. 1, has won four of his past five tournaments, highlighted by his second Masters title and becoming the first player to successfully defend the Players Championship. Scheffler shot a first-round four-under 67 at Valhalla on Thursday.
Scheffler was supposed to tee off at 8:48 a.m. Friday before a shuttle-bus accident delayed Friday. The PGA of America announced that all times would be delayed by 1 hour and 20 minutes due to the accident.
This post will continue to be updated.
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