PGA Championship 2024: Scottie Scheffler arrested and released by Louisville police following Friday incident at Valhalla
Scheffler’s mugshot as released by the Louisville PD.
This is a developing story that will be updated throughout the day.
LOUISVILLE — Scottie Scheffler has been released by Louisville Metro Police after being arrested by Louisville Metro Police at Valhalla Golf Club early Friday morning.
The World No. 1 golfer was charged with second degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Scheffler attempted to drive past a police officer, presumably to enter the golf course and prepare for the second round of the 2024 PGA Championship. Entry to the course had been halted due to a traffic issue stemming from an accident outside the club unrelated to Scheffler in which a shuttle bus hit and killed a pedestrian early Friday morning. The officer, apparently in an attempt to stop Scheffler from proceeding, attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s car, followed by the officer telling Scheffler to get out of the vehicle. Scheffler was driving a marked player-courtesy vehicle.
According to local news reporter Eric Crawford, Scheffler’s detainment stemmed from continuing to drive when asked to stop, and his car then “dragged” the officer, who left with minor injuries.
When Scheffler exited his car the officer shoved Scheffler, placed him in handcuffs and put him in the back of a police cruiser. ESPN video confirmed Darlington’s report.
Scheffler allegedly pleaded for help to an ESPN crew standing nearby. When Darlington attempted to intervene, the police officer responded, according to Darlington, “There’s nothing you can do, he’s going to jail.”
Darlington added police officers had no idea who Scheffler was.
The PGA of America has not responded to a Golf Digest request for comment at this time.
Scheffler, the World No. 1, has won four of his past five tournaments, highlighted by his second Masters title and becoming the first player to successfully defend the Players Championship. Scheffler shot a first-round four-under 67 at Valhalla on Thursday.
Scheffler was supposed to tee off at 8:48 a.m. Friday before a shuttle-bus accident delayed Friday. The PGA of America announced that all times would be delayed by 1 hour and 20 minutes due to the accident.