World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was arrested early Friday morning after an incident with an officer outside Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, the site of the PGA Championship. Scheffler was not involved in a separate traffic incident outside Valhalla that ended in a pedestrian fatality.
Scheffler has been charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic. The charges include two felonies, one misdemeanor and one misdemeanor (second-degree assault on a police officer).
Here’s a rough timeline of Friday’s events:
6:18 am ET: The PGA Championship announces that round 2 of the tournament will be postponed due to an accident near the course.
6:35 AM ET: ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reports that Scheffler was arrested by police after a “misunderstanding regarding traffic flow” outside Valhalla Golf Club.
6:55 AM ET: Images emerge of Scheffler being held by the police.
8:35 AM ET: Scheffler is charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic. The charges include two felonies, one misdemeanor and one misdemeanor (second-degree assault on a police officer).
8:35 AM ET: After a delay of one hour and 20 minutes, Round 2 of the PGA Championship begins.
Breaking News: World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been detained in handcuffs by police after a misunderstanding over traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club. The police officer tried to attach himself to Scheffler’s car,…
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
8:43 a.m. ET: ESPN reports that Scheffler has been released from police custody.
9:05 AM ET: Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, speaks in Louisville following Scheffler’s release.
9:17 am ET: Scheffler arrives at Valhalla Golf Club after his arrest.
9:38 am ET: Scheffler arrives at the driving range to warm up.
9:40 AM ET: PGA of America issues a statement about X about the pedestrian fatality outside Valhalla Golf Club.
“This morning we were devastated to hear that an employee of one of our suppliers was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking for all of us involved in the PGA Championship. We extend our condolences our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
9:49 am ET: Through his Instagram account, Scheffler, who was warming up on the roadway when the statement was released, spoke publicly for the first time since his arrest.
“This morning I proceeded as instructed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably given the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a major misunderstanding about what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intend to ignore the instructions. I hope I can put this aside and focus on golf today.
“Of course all of us involved in the tournament extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in the earlier accident this morning. It really puts everything into perspective”
10:13 am ET: Scheffler tees off for the second round of the PGA Championship and birdies his first hole.
Scheffler was also seen smiling and laughing with his caddy and group, receiving chants from fans as he walked to the second tee.
10:14 am ET: According to the police report, Scheffler refused to follow Detective Bryan Gillis’ instructions, accelerating his car and “dragging Detective Gillis to the ground.” Gillis was taken to hospital after suffering “pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knee”.
Here is the police report of Scottie Scheffler’s arrest this morning:
Detective Gillis directed traffic to Gate 1 of the Valhalla Golf Course as the road was closed in both directions due to a previous fatal collision.
The subject mentioned was driving east towards… pic.twitter.com/T6QdFHsehV
—John Nucci (@JNucci23) May 17, 2024
11:06 am ET: Scheffler’s lawyer issues a statement:
“In the early morning hours prior to his start time, Scottie headed to the course to begin his preparation for the pre-round. The combination of event traffic and a traffic fatality in the area made it a very chaotic situation. He continued as directed by another traffic officer and was driving a marked player’s vehicle with visible credentials. In the confusion, Scottie allegedly ignored another officer’s traffic signals, resulting in these charges. He proceeded as instructed. He stopped immediately after being told to do so at no time did an officer attack with his vehicle. We will litigate this case if necessary and he will be fully exonerated.
