Scottie Scheffler was arrested during the early hours of Friday, May 17, by the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). The news sent shockwaves across the golfing world who failed to comprehend what was happening, much like Scottie Scheffler himself.
Scheffler, who returned to the course this week after recently becoming a dad, was on the way to Valhalla this morning. However, in a serious turn of events, he found himself taken to the police station, where he was charged with four different counts.
ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington explained in detail on-air about the shocking incident.
“What he believed to be security ended up being police officers. The police officer then grabbed his arm attempting to pull him out of the car before Scheffler eventually opened the door, at which point the police officer pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs.”
He also added:
“Scheffler was then walked over to the police car placed in the back in handcuffs, very stunned about what was happening. Looks toward me, as he was in those handcuffs and said, 'Please help me'. He very clearly did not know what was happening in this situation.”
The world number 1 golfer was later released. According to reports, he was picked up from jail by one of Valhalla Golf Club’s owners, Jimmy Kirchdorfer. He also gave the US golfer a lift to the course.
Scottie Scheffler breaks his silence for the first time since his arrest
American golfer and two-time Major winner broke his silence on his arrest. Scottie Scheffler talked about what happened and called the entire fiasco a “misunderstanding”.
He issued a statement that said:
“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.”
Scheffler also paid his condolences to the family of the victim who was killed earlier by a shuttle bus. Scottie is scheduled to tee off at 10:08 am EST.
Scheffler is the bookies favorite to win his second successive Major at Valhalla. However, it will be interesting to observe how the new dad copes after enduring such an eventful day.
He currently sits T12 on the leaderboard after Round 1. Can Scottie Scheffler bounce back and take charge on Day 2?