Scottie Scheffler handcuffed and detained by police in Valhalla
Scottie Scheffler was detained by a police officer near to Valhalla Golf Club on the second morning of the PGA Championship
World No.1 Scottie Scheffler was detained and handcuffed by police near Valhalla Golf Club.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported on Friday morning that Scheffler attempted to drive past a police officer to enter the host venue of the PGA Championship, when the officer allegedly tried to attach himself to the car.
The report says that Scheffler stopped his car at the entrance where the reigning Masters champion was allegedly screamed at and told to get out of his car.
Darlington says that Scheffler got out and he was shoved against his car, handcuffed, and detained in the back of a police vehicle.
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Images emerged on social media of Scheffler walking in handcuffs with an officer. The second round of the PGA Championship was delayed due to an accident near the golf course, but this particular issue isn’t related.
The PGA of America confirmed that in the accident unrelated to Scheffler’s arrest, a vendor was struck and killed by a shuttle bus by the venue.
“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,” said the organisation in a statement.
In further footage posted by Darlington, Scheffler is seen walking with police officers with one officer stating, “He’s going to jail and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
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On the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Police Corrections website, Scheffler was listed with a mugshot and was booked in at 7.28 am.
The American, who became a father shortly before travelling to the second major championship of the year, is due to tee off at 10.08 am local time, which translates to 3.48 pm in the UK.
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Scheffler was released at 8.40 am and has now arrived at the golf course. His list of criminal charges includes second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.
He is due to return for arraignment on Tuesday morning.
Scheffler began the tournament in prodigious fashion, holing his second shot on the first hole for an eagle. He shot four-under-par and is currently five shots behind Xander Schauffele who carded a 62, the lowest round in the history of the PGA Championship.
NCG was given this update from an official at the PGA of America:
As this is an ongoing situation, we will let you know of any updates as they come.
The PGA of America has also informed NCG that Scheffler will release a statement of his own on social media, which he indeed did about 15 minutes before he teed off.
“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.”
While Scheffler was playing in the second round, a post-arrest complaint report of the incident was circulate on social media:
“Detective Gillis was directing traffic into Gate 1 of the Valhalla Golf Course due to the road being closed in both directions from an earlier fatal collision. Listed subject was driving eastbound to gain access to the course. Subject was pulled into the westbound lanes, where outbound traffic was flowing and to avoid backed up traffic.
“Detective Gillis was in the middle of the westbound lanes, in full LMP uniform and a hi-visibility yellow reflective rain jacket. Detective Gillis stopped subject and attempted to give instructions. 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 knee. 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.”
It was reported that the major of Louisville Craig Greenburg arrived at Valhalla on Friday afternoon, and a statement was posted to his social media account on X:
“This morning, our city experienced a tragic accident that took the life of John Mills, a Lousvillian who will be greatly missed by his family and our community. Our focus is on this family who lost their loved one. I have spoken with members of Mr. Mills’ family to convey our city’s condolences.
“Following this tragedy, LMPD stopped traffic to assist with its investigation into the fatal accident. It is unfortunate than an incident took place between an LMPD officer and Mr. Scheffler while he was attempting to enter Valhalla. LMPD is fully investigating this incident and the legal process will proceed, We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
“We remain focused on the tragic loss of life and will share more information on both of these matters as available.”
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spoken to the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell, Henrik Stenson, to name just a few.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
