World No.1 Scottie Scheffler charged with assaulting police officer before PGA Championship second round

Scottie Scheffler arrives back at Valhalla ahead of Round 2 at the PGA Championship

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler was detained in the back of a patrol car following a ‘misunderstanding’ at the PGA Championship in Kentucky.

Ahead of Round 2 at Valhalla, Masters champion Scottie Scheffler attempted to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club on Friday, unaware of traffic management measures that had been put in place following a fatal accident earlier in the morning.

Tee times for Round 2 at the PGA Championship were delayed due to an accident near the course. The Louisville Metro Police Department said the traffic issues outside the golf club were caused after a shuttle bus struck and killed Mr John Mills who was heading in to work at Valhalla.

Scheffler, who was not involved in the accident, had reportedly tried to navigate the scene of the incident before being stopped by officers outside of the golf club.

Live footage on ESPN showed Scheffler being led into a patrol car, with his hands in handcuffs behind his back.

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed this series of events said “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 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.

He added that “at that point, the police officer instructed Scheffler to get out of the car”, and then proceeded to handcuff Scheffler and put him in the police car.

The timeline of Scottie Scheffler’s arrest

Statement from Scottie’s attorney

Steve Romines: “In the early hours of the morning in advance of his tee time Scottie was going to the course to begin his pre-round preparation. Due to the combination of event traffic and a traffic fatality in the area, it was a very chaotic situation. He was preceding as directed by another traffic officer and driving a marked player’s vehicle with credentials visible. In the confusion, Scottie is alleged to have disregarded a different officer’s signals resulting in these charges. Multiple eyewitnesses have confirmed that he did not do anything wrong but was simply preceding as directed. He stopped immediately upon being directed to and never at any point assaulted any officer with his vehicle. We will litigate this matter as needed and he will be completely exonerated.”

6:45pm (1:45pm ET)

The PGA of America released a statement regarding the morning’s accident and Scottie Scheffler’s arrest:

“Our primary concern today remains with the family of John Mills, who lost his life in a tragic accident early this morning while reporting to work. As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place. While the legal process plays out, questions should be directed to Scheffler’s attorney or local authorities.”

6:36pm (1:36pm ET)

Dan Rapaport provides some insight on the ongoing so far and what happens next with Scheffler’s criminal charges:

“Spoke to a Louisville defense attorney. Said a judge would’ve been made aware of the arrest this morning and set the bond. That they let Scheffler go means they felt very little risk he wouldn’t show up when required. Also said it’s odd to charge someone with a felony, make them change into jumpsuit, take a mugshot then let him go. The next step is the case goes to pretrial services. Legally authorities must interview/assess the defendant within 24 hours of the arrest. Then the prosecutor’s office either recommends to pursue or not pursue the charges.”

3:08pm (10.08am ET)

Scheffler tees off on time alongside Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark. He birdies the first after hitting a wedge to a few feet.

2:15pm (9:15am ET)

Scheffler arrives at Valhalla, less than an hour before his second round tee time.

2:00pm (9:00am ET)

Scheffler releases an Instagram post, saying there was a “big misunderstanding” and he “never intended to disregard any of the instructions”.

“I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today,” he adds.

1:40pm (8:40am ET)

Scheffler is released and heads straight to Valhalla.

12:28pm (7:28am ET)

Scheffler is arrested and taken to a local police station. He is charged with:

– 2nd Degree assault of Police officer 

– Criminal Mischief 3rd degree 

– Reckless driving 

– Disregarding signals from officer directing traffic

According to the police report, Detective Gillis stopped Scheffler’s car and “attempted to give instruction”.

The report read: “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 knees.

“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.”

11:35am (6:35am ET)

ESPN Reporter Jeff Darlington said that Scheffler has been ‘detained in handcuffs’

11:52am (6:52am ET)

The start has been delayed by an hour for Round 2 of the US PGA Championship because of a “serious accident near the course”, according to a statement released by the tournament organizers.

Louisville Police confirmed that a pedestrian had died after a collision involving a shuttle bus.

In an unrelated incident, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was ‘detained in handcuffs’ by police as he tried to make his way to the course according to ESPN.

12:20pm (7:20am ET)

ESPN’s Jeff Darlington released an eyewitness video on ‘X’ of Scottie Scheffler being detained in handcuffs

1:18 pm (8:18am ET)

Scottie Scheffler is booked by the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections

1:30pm (8:30am ET)

Scottie Scheffler was officially charged with:

• Second degree assault of a police officer
• Third degree criminal mischief
• Reckless driving
• Disregarding signals from officers directing traffic

2:14pm (9:14am ET)

Scottie Scheffler arrives back at Valhalla ahead of his 10:08am(ET) tee time

2:20pm (9:20am ET)

Scheffler’s lawyer speaking to the media

2:26pm (9:26am ET)

Some reaction from Ian Poulter on X

2:30pm (9:30am ET)

Scottie heads to the range with around half an hour to warm up

2:40pm (9:40am ET)

A statement is released by the PGA of America regarding the morning’s events

“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

2:55pm (9:55am ET)

Scottie Scheffler took to social media to explain what went on from his point of view and also give his condolences to the family of the man who was sadly involved in the accident

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About the author

Will Shreeve-Peacock – Golf Equipment Writer

Will is an expert in golf shoes, GPS watches, rangefinders, and training aids.

He has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and four years’ experience working in golf retail with American Golf where he was trained by a host of the big-name manufacturers.

A six-handicapper, Will has played golf for more than a decade and is a member at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincolnshire.