Golf

Scottie Scheffler tees off at Valhalla hours after being arrested in incident before US PGA second round

American detained by police after misunderstanding with traffic flow led to attempt to drive past officer

Screen grab taken from the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections of Scottie Scheffler's mugshot. Photograph: Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections/PA

Fri May 17 2024 - 15:32

World number one Scottie Scheffler was detained by police for reportedly attempting to get around a traffic jam caused by a fatal incident near Valhalla this morning.

It came as the start of play in the second round of the US PGA Championship was delayed following an accident in which a pedestrian died after being struck by a shuttle bus, according to Louisville Metro Police Department.

Scheffler was attempting to get to the course to prepare for his round when he was arrested. The golfer has since been released and was spotted arriving at the course with an hour to make his tee time. He made his tee time on the 10th hole at 10.10am local time, just hours after being arrested.

In a statement, 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.

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“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.”

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed the incident, said on air: “Traffic had been backed up and building, 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.

“At that point the police officer instructed Scheffler to get out of the car.

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“He rolled down the window, the police officer grabbed his arm and started pulling at it. He reached inside, opened the car door, pulled Scheffler out, pushed him up against the car, immediately placed him in handcuffs.”

World golf number one Scottie Scheffler was handcuffed and detained by police prior to the start of the second round of the PGA Championship. Video: Reuters

LMPD had earlier released a statement on the traffic incident.

“About 5:00 this morning, the LMPD responded to a call of a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian and a bus,” the statement read.

“Our preliminary investigation found that an adult male pedestrian was crossing Shelbyville Road south to north when he was struck by a shuttle bus that was travelling eastbound in the compulsory centre lane dedicated for buses.

“As a result, the pedestrian received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. The LMPD Traffic Unit is investigating.”

“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,” PGA of America said in a statement.

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