‘I warmed up in jail’: Scottie Scheffler shines at US PGA despite arrest and police assault charge
By James Corrigan in Louisville and Ben Rumsby
Scottie Scheffler has revealed how his body was “shaking in shock” after he was arrested for assaulting a police officer early on Friday morning and that he started his warm-up for the second round of the US PGA Championship in a jail cell.
The world No 1’s startling comments make his 66 at Valhalla even more remarkable, as he fought his way into contention at the season’s second major within hours of being pictured in an orange jumpsuit.
Scheffler, 27, is certain that “this situation will get resolved fairly quickly”, although as it stands he is facing four charges after a police report accused him of not following an officer’s instructions when driving through the gates of the course and, after failing to stop, of dragging the officer along when he accelerated.
After finishing his round and moving to nine-under and within two of early pacesetter Collin Morikawa, Scheffler reiterated his claim from an earlier statement that it was “a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding”.
However, the Texan did not blame the actions of Detective Brian Gillis, who was hospitalised after the incident, and instead praised the police. After passing on his condolences to the family of John Mills, the Louisville resident who died after being knocked over by a shuttle bus in the 5am accident that caused the traffic restrictions, he recounted his emotions.
‘I was shaking for an hour’
“My head is still spinning,” Scheffler said. “I can’t really explain what happened this morning. I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell. That was a first for me. That was part of my warm-up. I was just sitting there waiting and I started going through my warm-up, I felt like there was a chance I may be able to still come out here and play. I started going through my routine and I tried to get my heart-rate down as much as I could.
“I was pretty rattled to say the least. But the officer that took me to the jail was very kind. He was great. We had a nice chat in the car and that kind of helped calm me down. I was sitting there waiting to go in [to the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Correction] and I asked him, ‘Can you just come hang out with me for a few minutes so I can calm down?’ I was never angry. I was just in shock, and my body was shaking the whole time. I was shaking for like an hour.”
Scheffler’s detention was captured on film outside Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, in the early hours of the morning when he “refused to comply” with instructions from Detective Gillis. Police had been called to a fatal collision between a shuttle bus and a tournament worker, Mills, on the road leading to the golf course and had closed it in both directions.
That resulted in a major traffic jam in which Scheffler, America’s reigning two-time Masters champion, was caught up while trying to enter the course for day two of the US PGA.
When he attempted to bypass the roadblock, he was stopped by Detective Gillis. He then drove through the blockade, allegedly “dragging Detective Gillis to the ground”.
According to Scheffler’s arrest report, “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”.
Within an hour of his arrest, police released a mugshot of Scheffler in an orange jumpsuit at Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections and charged him with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic.
With his attorney, Steve Romines, insisting that Scheffler “did not do anything wrong but was simply proceeding as directed” and with the Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg promising an investigation, it would have been easy for the golfer to point the finger. But Scheffler is regarded as perhaps the most humble superstar in the sport and actually complimented the police.
“I’m grateful that we have such strong police, and they’re our protectors out there, and like I said, we just got into a chaotic situation this morning,” he said. “That’s really all it was. This one older officer looked at me as I was doing my fingerprints and says, ‘So do you want the full experience today?’ I didn’t know what he meant but he said, ‘Come on, man, you want a sandwich?’ I was like, ‘Sure’. I hadn’t eaten breakfast yet. I mean, they were really kind.
“They had just had an accident. I didn’t know what had happened at the time, I didn’t know that it was fatal. But no, at no point did I try to name drop myself to defuse the situation. I just tried to remain as calm as possible and just follow instructions.”
Scheffler feared he would miss his tee-time that, because of the fatal accident, was put back 80 minutes to 10.08am. He could see himself on the police station’s television and was trying to work out if he could make it. He was released at 8.40am.
“I didn’t really feel like I would make my tee-time until one of the officers at the jail came by my cell and knocked on the window and said, ‘Let’s go’,” he said. “I didn’t know what was going on out here. I didn’t know how long the delay was. At the time I couldn’t even remember what my original tee time [8.48am] was. I was shaking through shock and fear. My manager asked me if I wanted to play, and I was like, ‘of course’.
“Again, my heart goes out to the family [of Mills]. But outside of that, yeah, I’m grateful to be out here, doing what I love.”
"I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell, that was a first for me."
Scottie Scheffler comments on his morning before the second round. pic.twitter.com/41HrVBKL5v— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) May 17, 2024
Scheffler plays superb round after arrest – As it happened...
09:04 PM BST
Telegraph Sport’s coverage of the US PGA continues
Thank you for following our blog after an eventful day covering Scottie Scheffler at the US PGA.
Our live coverage still continues from Valhalla – follow our second blog, where we will be focusing on the rest of the field, with Rory McIlory, Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka all underway in the second round.
08:54 PM BST
‘Coming out here and trying to play today was definitely a challenge’
Scheffler is still speaking with reporters
Coming out here and trying to play today was definitely a challenge, but I did my best to control my mind and control my breathing – just try to play golf.
I knew there was going to be a lot of distractions... but to be honest, it was great having the fans behind me. I felt they were really glad to have me out here competing today
08:43 PM BST
‘I spent some time warming up in a jail cell, which was a first for me’
Scottie Scheffler speaking to reporters on arrest this morning
It was a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding. My head is still spinning.
I spent some time warming up in a jail cell, which was a first for me. I was a bit rattled and I was shaking.
The officers in jail were great and very kind. It was a chaotic situation this morning. It was great having the crowd behind.
I was pretty rattled, to say the least . . . I was never angry, I was just in shock. I was shaking for about an hour.
08:39 PM BST
Scheffler shoots five-under 66
What a remarkable round of golf from the world No 1 when you consider the events of this morning.
The American misses the green short left but then plays a sublime chip shot that settles just four feet away.
He closes out his round with a par at the par-four ninth – which leaves him well in contention being two off the lead.
Truly outstanding from the American.
08:26 PM BST
Harris English speaks on the tragic morning
I got there right after all the police cars got there. I had no idea what was going on. I knew they weren’t letting anybody through from that side I was arriving from, so I had to turn around, go north of the course, took an extra 20 minutes or so, and then I got to turn into the club.
I’s dark, it’s raining, police lights everywhere. It was very strange coming into the course this morning. Then news broke that Scottie [Scheffler] had been detained and all that. We had no idea what was going on. That could have been any one of us. We’re all taking that same route coming into the club. Very unfortunate.
You never want to hear about a person losing their life coming to the course. It’s just terrible. Our heart goes out to that family. Turning on ESPN and seeing Scottie in handcuffs, getting in a police car, I never would have thought I would have seen that this morning. It was just wild
08:11 PM BST
What can we expect from Rory McIlroy today?
Rory McIlroy begins his second round of the PGA Championship ⛳ pic.twitter.com/afyC2GL440
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 17, 2024
08:11 PM BST
World No 1 sparks back into life
The American drains a 19-footer for a birdie at the par-five seventh. Scheffler is just two behind his Ryder Cup teammate Collin Morikawa on nine under, with two holes remaining in his second round.
08:03 PM BST
A rare poor shot from Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler is at the seventh, he sprays his shot wide right and into the crowd. However, it is a par five and that is only his second shot – so he does have shots in hand.
The current world No 1 would rather not make the game harder than it needs to be – just fairways and greens.
07:55 PM BST
Quick leaderboard update . . .
Latest second round scores from Valhalla.
-12: Morikawa (17*)
-10 Hubbard (13*)
-9 Schauffele (1*), Detry
-8 Scheffler (15*)
07:51 PM BST
Scheffler taps in for par
World No 1 easily taps in at six to remain eight under – a three-footer of course proving no issue for Scheffler.
07:35 PM BST
Morikawa extends his lead . . .
The 2020 champion now leads the championship on -11. He’s five under for the day with the par-five seventh up next for the American. Morikawa seems frustrated at his drive but on the replay it is sat up nicely on the fairway fringe.
07:29 PM BST
This evening’s key tee times
Rory McIlroy begins his second round at 8pm (BST ) and will resume on five under after a strong start at Valhalla.
7.38pm: Aberg, Schauffele, Thomas
7.49pm: Woods, Scott, Bradley
8.00pm: McIlroy, Johnson, Rose
8.11pm: Smith, Matsuyama, Hovland
8.22pm: Koepka, Spieth, Homa
07:25 PM BST
Golf fans show their support for Scheffler
07:22 PM BST
So close from Scheffler
Yet again, brilliant work from the American! He was close to chopping in from the greenside rough at five – only for the ball to stop just short from the hole!
07:12 PM BST
New outright leader at Valhalla
Two-time major winner Collin Morikawa is threatening now. He has carded three-straight birdies at four, five and six.
07:05 PM BST
PGA of America statement
As round two is underway at the US PGA Championship, PGA of America has issued a new statement about the fatal traffic accident, along with 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 to be directed to Scheffler’s attorney or local authorities.
07:01 PM BST
Scheffler rises to eight under
Another bit of brilliance from Scheffler with his Texas wedge! What a performance from the American, two birdies in three holes from the world No 1 now.
A remarkable performance after the morning he had!
06:58 PM BST
Immaculate from Morikawa
The American makes his move and ascends to nine under, alongside co-leaders Xander Schauffele and Mark Hubbard. He drained a putt from 16 feet at the fifth – with four holes left to play, Morikawa has time to improve his score.
06:53 PM BST
Who is Scottie Scheffler?
The American was detained by police outside the Valhalla Golf Club on Friday morning ahead of the second round of the US PGA Championship.
If you are not a golf aficionado, you might be wondering who Scheffler is. Telegraph Sport tells you everything you need to know about the world No 1.
06:48 PM BST
Important save for Scheffler
The bunker shot was not pretty from the American on the third but his putter saves him par.
06:45 PM BST
World No 1 in the sand at three
The American scuffed his tee shot left and into the bunker. He has got his work cut out at the par-three third.
The rain’s coming down at Valhalla but that hasn’t deterred the crowds from gathering and of course a large portion of them are following Scottie Scheffler around.
06:39 PM BST
Latest leaderboard
All eyes are on Scottie Scheffler . . .
9 Schauffele, Hubbard (9*)
-8 Morikawa (13*)
-7 Scheffler (11*) Kim (14*), Deltry (12)
06:26 PM BST
Absolute magic from Scheffler
The American’s approach with his six iron is sublime – he nearly holed out from 189 yards! Sadly, the ball does not drop but he is within birdie range at the second.
He seems unstoppable at Valhalla – he’s certainly not playing like a man who got arrested this morning. He sinks the putt from six feet to move seven under par. Scheffler is now just two shots adrift of co-leaders Xander Schauffele and Mark Hubbard.
06:21 PM BST
Important tee times to keep an eye on . .
Rory McIlroy is under way at 8pm (BST ) and will resume on five under after a strong start at Valhalla.
Northern Irishman reeled off three birdies in succession on his back nine in the opening round.
7.38pm: Aberg, Schauffele, Thomas
7.49pm: Woods, Scott, Bradley
8.00pm: McIlroy, Johnson, Rose
8.11pm: Smith, Matsuyama, Hovland
06:14 PM BST
Birdie try lips out for world No 1
The American stays two under for his second round, as his birdie putt from around 20 feet at the first ends up lipping out.
06:08 PM BST
Fitzpatrick on the move
British player is back to two under for the round with a sensational double birdie strike, the latter coming from a sublime chip from the edge of the green that he drains.
Matt Fitzpatrick draining this chip! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/mtEFjxaXsg
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 17, 2024
06:05 PM BST
Scheffler shirts on display at Valhalla!
🚨🚔👕 Scottie Scheffler mug shot shirts are already floating around Valhalla 🤣 #PGAChamp @SchefflerFans pic.twitter.com/tlsOQhFvsB
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 17, 2024
05:57 PM BST
Birdie for world No 1
Scheffler moves just three shots off the lead at six under – after stroking in a well paced putt from around five feet.
Watch out Xander, the world No 1 is coming for you . . .
05:48 PM BST
Scheffler finishes the front nine
World No 1 has collected five straight pars since birdieing the 12th thanks to a sublime putt.
Scheffler is on 18 and is slightly loose off the tee with his ball dragging to the right. The world No 1 has remained unflappable during his round after his arrest earlier on today.
The crowd have been loving Scheffler all day – it has been a remarkable reception for him!
05:42 PM BST
Scheffler court date set
USA Today are among those reporting the world No 1’s court date.
Scottie Scheffler will appear at the Kentucky Court of Justice on Tuesday at 2pm (BST) according to reports in the United States.
05:35 PM BST
A few players are beginning to make their move
Quick leaderboard update
-9 Schauffele (62)
-8 Hubbard (6*)
-7 English (13*), Noren (12), Morikawa (9*)
05:31 PM BST
Horror show for Rahm on 17
The Spaniard undoes all his good work from the previous holes and find himself back at level par.
He has double bogeyed on 17 after scuffing his tee shot left and into the rough – he has emerged with a six after missing a 15-footer for bogey.
05:25 PM BST
In case you are just joining us . . .
Well, it’s been an eventful day to say the least at the US PGA. World number one Scottie Scheffler has been charged with assaulting a police officer outside Valhalla Golf Club hours before his second round at the US PGA Championship.
He was later charged with four offences, including second degree assault of a police officer.
It is understood the police officer screamed at Scheffler and when the two-time Masters winner exited his car he was immediately placed in handcuffs and led to the back of a police car.
Scheffler was released just in time to take to the course on Friday for his tee-off time of 15:08 (BST).
He is currently four shots out of the lead as he tries to become only the fifth player since 1960 to win the first two majors of the year.
05:17 PM BST
Magic from Scheffler
The world No 1 fires in an attractive approach shot to set up a birdie chance on 16 – he’s certainly not playing like a man who got arrested this morning.
However, it is a missed opportunity from the American – as his birdie putt trundles to the left of the hole. Just a par for the world No 1 on 16.
05:08 PM BST
What are the conditions like today?
It has been raining pretty hard all morning at Valhalla and it is expected to continue for a lot of today’s play. Latest forecast issued by the US PGA is still showing a threat of thunderstorms this afternoon.
Let’s hope the thunderstorms stay away and there is no further delays in proceedings.
05:00 PM BST
Morikawa plugging away nicely
The damp conditions at Valhalla is not impacting Collin Morikawa too much.
He has began his second round in sublime form, with a number of pars punctuated by a birdie at 13, the fourth hole of his round.
The two-time major champion is just three shots back from leader Xander Schauffele.
04:56 PM BST
Quick leaderboard update
Latest scores from round two at Valhalla.
-9 Schauffele (62)
-8 Hubbard (3*)
-6 Morikawa (6*),T Kim (6*), Detry (6), Finau, Theegala
04:49 PM BST
Scheffler playing 15th hole
The American booms his tee shot straight down the fairway but sadly he lands his second shot some distance from the pin. You have to say birdie is an outside chance for the American now. . .
04:45 PM BST
Scottie Scheffler timeline
Scottie Scheffler has begun his second round of the US PGA Championship hours after being arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer while travelling to Valhalla.
Telegraph Sport has provided a timeline of Scheffler’s arrest and everything we know so far.
04:40 PM BST
Scheffler saves par on the 14th
What a sublime recovery shot from the world No 1! This time with the wedge and lags a 50-footer up from the apron to tap-in distance. He remains on five under.
04:33 PM BST
Best of the British players
Rory McIlroy and Robert MacIntyre lead the charge from our side of the pond. England’s Aarron Rai finished three under on Thursday with Matt Fitzpatrick currently on even par in the second round.
04:24 PM BST
Scottie Scheffler’s attorney has spoken to the Associated Press
Steve Romines speaks about this morning’s incident and the subsequent arrest of his client.
We will litigate the case as it goes. The main thing is he was proceeding exactly as he was directed in a marked vehicle with credentials. He didn’t do anything intentionally wrong.
04:20 PM BST
Scheffler remains at five under
Sadly, for Scheffler his birdie putt at 13 was well timed but it edged away at the last moment so the American has to settle for par and remaining at five under.
04:17 PM BST
More players react to Scheffler’s eventful morning
As many in here have already stated… lots of times Players are able to go around traffic to Venues so there must have been multiple unfortunate instances and misunderstandings leading to this. What a horror morning for the Tournament.
— Bernd Wiesberger (@BWiesberger) May 17, 2024
04:16 PM BST
Another birdie chance for Scheffler
Birdie opportunity for the American on the 13th, as it is a short par four! As we know, Scheffler with a wedge hitting onto rain – with receptive greens usually ends in a birdie.
It is a sublime approach shot over the water from the world No 1 – an opportunity for successive birdies. Scheffler is getting a remarkable reception from the Valhalla crowd – the spectators are willingly him on!
04:09 PM BST
Here is the arrest report from the Scheffler incident
Detective Gillis was directing traffic into Gate 1 of 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 pulled into the westbound lanes, where outbound traffic was flowing and to avoid backed up traffic.
Detective Gillis was int he middle of the westbound lanes, in full LMPD uniform and a hi-visibility yellow reflective rain jacket. Detective Gillis stopped subject and attempted to give instruction.
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 (£62.98) were damaged beyond repair.
04:04 PM BST
Quick leaderboard update as round two gets underway
03:59 PM BST
Brilliant response from Scheffler
What a response from the American! Scheffler responds from his miserable par putt by draining in a 40-footer on the 12th to move back to five under.
Nothing seems to faze the World No 1, after the eventful morning he has had!
03:55 PM BST
Poor start continues for Rahm
The Spaniard had a poor start in the opening round and was four over after six holes.
He has managed to hold par at the 11th but is definitely going to drop at least one on the par-four 12th. Rahm holes from around four-feet to make it’s just one.
03:49 PM BST
Bogey for World No 1 on the 11th
The American returns to where he started the morning at four under-par. Scheffler has missed a par putt from only about four feet.
03:41 PM BST
Officer involved in the Scheffler chaos taken to hospital
From the Associated Press
The officer, identified in the arrest report as Detective Gillis, was dragged “to the ground” and suffered “pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist” after the car “accelerated forward,” according to Louisville police.
The officer was dressed in a high visibility reflective jacket when he stopped Scheffler’s car to give instructions, the arrest sheet said. Gillis was taken to the hospital for his injuries.
03:35 PM BST
Business as usual for Scheffler
World No 1’s ball is just wide of the green, but considering the quality of his short game – you expect him to save par on the 11th.
03:32 PM BST
Shane Lowry is making his move
Irishman gets himself back under par with an eight-foot birdie on the 13th. With no wind and receptive greens – there is a score to be had here at Valhalla.
03:24 PM BST
Scheffler converts his birdie chance
What an approach from Scheffler! After finding the rough, the American sends a spinny wedge onto the green to set up a birdie chance on the 10th!
He converts the chance and is up to five under. Business as usual for the American!
Scottie Scheffler birdies his first hole. pic.twitter.com/QcE0lEFEyL
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 17, 2024
03:19 PM BST
Quick reminder of the leaderboard
A reminder of how things ended after round one at Valhalla.
-9 Schauffele (62)
-6 Finau (65), Theegala (65)
-5 MacIntyre (66), McIlroy (66), Detry (66), Morikawa (66)
-4 Scheffler (67)
03:14 PM BST
World No 1 gets underway in round two
Given what happened this morning, Scheffler looks pretty calm as he goes through his routine on the tee box.
The Masters champion is given a remarkable reception as he plays alongside Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman, with conditions looking damp at Valhalla.
Scheffler crunches his tee shot, one that is dragged wide to the right. He misses the trap and finds the rough, which means he will likely have to lay up but the American is on his way.
Scottie Scheffler tees off and begins his second round of the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/HgIiBZoYZ2
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 17, 2024
03:09 PM BST
Scheffler gets a wild reception
There’s huge roars of “Scottie! Scottie” as the American makes his way to the tee box. We’re just moments away now from Scheffler getting underway at Valhalla.
03:07 PM BST
Brian Harman will be going around with Scheffler
He speaks to ESPN
It’s just a wild morning, man … Scottie is one hell of a dude and I sure am glad he’s going to be out here to play … by the time I got in, everything was cleared up, but it was so congested … just a bad scene.
Scottie is a joy to be around and I look forward to playing with him again today … [the players in the locker room] were just supportive … hoping everything would get figured out in time for him to have a chance … we’ve all got a job to do … I’m happy to see him walking around over there.
03:05 PM BST
Updated tee times
Well, it’s been an eventful morning to say the least, but play will get underway and here’s some of the big groups going out in the early wave today after the delay of an hour and 20 minutes.
Of course all eyes are on the Scottie Scheffler group.
All times are BST.
14:30pm: Jason Dufner, Jake Knapp, Francesco Molinari
14:41pm: Thomas Detry , Rasmus Hojgaard, Jimmy Walker
14:46pm: Matthew Fitzpatrick, Phil Mickelson, Collin Morikawa
14:57pm: Rickie Fowler, Jon Rahm, Cameron Young
15:08pm: Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Scottie Scheffler
15:19pm: Patrick Cantlay, Camilo Villegas, Will Zalatoris
15:30pm: Sam Burns, Padraig Harrington, Patrick Reed
03:00 PM BST
Graeme McDowell on the Scheffler chaos
Northern Irishman is another player to comment on this morning’s events.
Most tour players can relate to trying to navigate around traffic getting into courses at massive tournaments (and no, not a problem we have at LIV events much )(yes, because we don’t get large crowds yet). I’d imagine the police were on high alert with the fatality, assuming timing was similar.
Emotions would have been running high. Crazy stuff. If he shoots 65 today just go ahead and give him the trophy.
02:56 PM BST
World No 1 has issued a statement on a ‘big misunderstanding’
Statement from Scottie Scheffler to me: '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…
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
02:49 PM BST
From our man in Kentucky
Scheffler on the range and will have to rush through his preparation. In normal circumstances – which these, erm, aren’t – the world No 1 would spend more than an hour, starting with stretches and then methodically going through his bag. Never mind the mental distraction of this morning’s events, purely from a golf perspective, he is outside his comfort zone.
Oh yeah, and it’s lashing down.
02:47 PM BST
PGA statement
"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…
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2024
02:44 PM BST
Sky Sports Wayne Riley on the reaction Scheffler received
It was very positive. The crowd reception was phenomenal, full support.
When he got to the range, he was met by the players and there was a family atmosphere of ‘we will all get through this together’.
The reception was loving.
02:42 PM BST
Scheffler heads to the range
The world No 1 umbrella in hand as the rain falls, is checked on by Rickie Fowler with a fistbump as he heads to the range in preparation for his impending tee time at 3.08pm (BST).
Members of the gallery shout “You’re not a criminal,” to Scheffler.
02:36 PM BST
Ian Poulter reacts to an eventful morning
So bizarre hearing the Scottie Scheffler Chaos this morning.
This is crazy. We as players at multiple tournaments every year are told during traffic around the venue to put Hazard lights on and proceed to the venue.
This is as simple as a misunderstanding. And clearly all…— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) May 17, 2024
02:33 PM BST
Sky Sports confirms Scheffler will tee off at 3.08pm (BST)
Kira K Dixon of Sky Sports reports that the World No 1 told gathered journalists that “he wasn’t going to be commenting” but “popped his head into player dining and said ‘hello I’m here’ and continued on”.
Dixon adds that “it seems to be all signs pointing to him having a warm-up, that he will play, and he should be at that 10.08 tee-time … spirits are fine … he is ready to go … he’ll try to get into the headspace that is required to compete at a major.”
02:21 PM BST
Dame Laura Davies speaking on Sky
There were police cars everywhere at the gate when we came in on our bus, you wouldn’t have known what you were doing at the time and as golfers you have to try and get there as soon as you can.
I’m sure he wasn’t giving it the ‘I’m Scottie Scheffler’ card. It seems like a genuine mistake let’s just hope sense prevails.
If Scottie is upset by it enough, he doesn’t have to play. That’s the only way I don’t want to see him playing today.
02:18 PM BST
Scheffler’s lawyer speaks
Just spoke with Steve Romines, lawyer for Scottie Scheffler @WLKY pic.twitter.com/Ui1S4q4lS7
— Madison Elliott (@MadisonWLKY) May 17, 2024
02:15 PM BST
Scottie Scheffler has arrived
A black four-by-four has just pulled into Valhalla and Scheffler has arrived at the clubhouse. He went in through the front door. Scheffler has less than an hour – 53 minutes to be exact - before his tee time. It will need to be a fairly brisk warm-up on the range. Imagine the silence as he walks into the locker room...
Scottie Scheffler arriving at Valhalla Golf Course for Day 2 of the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/Wlhs5DPmSJ
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 17, 2024
02:11 PM BST
Our man in Kentucky has fought through the traffic
Exhaustive route to get into the course. Louisville in gridlock because of the earlier tragic accident. Will Scheffler make his 10.08am tee time - not much chance of a police escort - and if not will the PGA of America give him special dispensation?
02:01 PM BST
Nick Dougherty on Scheffler’s emotions
This is man who was brought to tears the night before he won the Masters because he was overwhelmed by the opportunity that was in front of him. You do not imagine he is best equipped to handle a situation like this.
01:52 PM BST
Scheffler now returning to the course
ESPN+ television coverage is reporting that Scheffler has been released and could be at Valhalla within 10 minutes. That would give him just over an hour to prepare for his second round and make his 3.08pm tee time. Extraordinary.
Latest details are now that Scheffler could arrive on-site @PGAChampionship before 9AM ET, has been released on his own recognizance.
Appears he's now a go to try and play RD 2, will continue to update as more information becomes available.— George Savaricas (@GeorgeSavaricas) May 17, 2024
Scottie Scheffler is on way to Valhalla, per ESPN+ coverage.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 17, 2024
01:37 PM BST
Kentucky Court of Justice documents have confirmed Scheffler’s four charges
Second degree assault of a police officer
Third degree criminal mischief
Reckless driving
Disregarding signals from officers directing traffic
01:26 PM BST
There are the details of Scheffler’s booking
“No visitation until the inmate has been classified and moved to a housing unit.”
01:21 PM BST
Police confirm fatality after collision with shuttle bus
Local police have confirmed the reason for the early delay to Friday’s second round was due to a fatal collision outside the course. This incident is unrelated to Scheffler’s arrest but does explain the reason for traffic.
A statement from Louisville Metro Police Department said: “About 5:00 ET this morning, the LMPD responded to a call of a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian and a bus. Our preliminary investigation found that an adult male pedestrian was crossing Shelbyville Roadsouth to north when he was struck by a shuttle bus that was traveling eastbound in the compulsory center 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.”
01:16 PM BST
Scheffler has been booked
Scottie Scheffler was officially booked at 7:28 a.m. this morning. Here's the headshot included with it. No other info provided yet. pic.twitter.com/yDMZlJvKGd
— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) May 17, 2024
01:07 PM BST
The traffic continues
It seems some players have decided to walk to the course rather than sit in a logjam. This explains the 1hr 20 min delay to Friday’s tee times.
Meanwhile, we're stuck in traffic trying to get it. Will Zalatoris and Cameron Young have opted to walk in. We're half a mile from the entrance. https://t.co/5qPBhYN8xX pic.twitter.com/2YiPQNFQnl
— Brian Keogh (@IrishGolfDesk) May 17, 2024
01:06 PM BST
Sky Sport’s coverage has started
Nick Dougherty says it has been “a dramatic day” for Scheffler. You can say that again.
01:01 PM BST
Still uncertain whether Scheffler will make his tee time
I am told by a PGA of America official that the situation with Scottie Scheffler is "ongoing," and they are not in the position to confirm his status at the moment.
— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) May 17, 2024
12:52 PM BST
What is the punishment for missing your tee time?
Rule 5.3a in the Royal and Ancient’s rules of golf cover this one.
The rule states that a player “must be ready to play at the starting time and starting point set by the Committee.” By committee, they mean the body or person who organises the tournament. In this case, that is the PGA.
The general punishment for missing your tee time is disqualification, unless you are ready to play and on the tee within five minutes of the start time, then you might get away with a two-shot penalty.
Pertinent to Scheffler, the tournament committee can also rule that “exceptional circumstances” prevented the player being on time and spare them disqualification.
Rory McIlroy required a police escort to make his tee time for the Sunday singles at the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah.
12:41 PM BST
Will Scheffler make his tee time?
Play will resume at 8.35am US time, giving all tee times throughout the day a delay of around 1 hour 20 minutes.
With Scheffler originally due to go out at 1.48pm UK time, his new tee time is scheduled to start on the 10th hole at 3:08pm if he is released from police custody in time.
12:35 PM BST
‘Scheffler then drove on for another 10 yards’
ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who broke the story and witnessed the incident, has told his channel’s broadcast that the police officer acted “very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively.”
“Scheffler was detained after he tried to pull around what he believed to be security but ended up being a police officer. They told him to stop, when he didn’t stop the police officer attached himself to the vehicle and Scheffler then drove on for another 10 yards before stopping the car. The police officer then grabbed his arm attempting to pull him out the car before Scheffler opened the door and the officer pulled him outside, pushed him against the car and placed him in handcuffs.
“Scheffler was then walked away in handcuffs and placed in the back of a police car and looked toward me as he was in those handcuffs and said ‘please help me’. Clearly did not know what was happening in this situation which moved “very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively.”
“He was detained in that vehicle for approximately 20 minutes and the officers at that point did not understand that Scheffler was a golfer in the tournament, nor of course that he is the No1 player in the world.”
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police in handcuffs after a misunderstanding with traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club prior to the second round of the PGA Championship.
📝 MORE: https://t.co/6Ae5Gtcr3i pic.twitter.com/jRr6DTj9dk— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) May 17, 2024
12:25 PM BST
What Darlington saw outside Valhalla
“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. 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.”
12:22 PM BST
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington an eye witness to Scheffler being detained in handcuffs
A police officer said to Darlington: “Right now, he’s going to jail and there ain’t nothing you can do about it.”
Here is video that I took of Scheffler being arrested: https://t.co/8UPZKvPCCf pic.twitter.com/9Tbp2tyrJh
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
12:17 PM BST
The delay is now ‘at least one hour’
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: R2 delayed. The next update will be at 7:30 AM and the first starting time will be at least 1 hour after an update is made.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) May 17, 2024
12:07 PM BST
Min Woo Lee tweets
— Min Woo Lee (@Minwoo27Lee) May 17, 2024
12:02 PM BST
ESPN television coverage now showing Scheffler in handcuffs
What the heck is going on right now? Scottie Scheffler arrested trying to get into Valhalla?! pic.twitter.com/a3coox510t
— sam stone (@sam_rock_stone) May 17, 2024
12:00 PM BST
ESPN reporting that Scheffler has been ‘detained in handcuffs’
Breaking News: World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police in handcuffs after a misunderstanding with traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club. The police officer attempted to attach himself to Scheffler's car,…
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
11:52 AM BST
Start delayed by one hour on day two
Day two of the US PGA Championship has been delayed by an hour because of an “accident near the course”, according to a statement released by the tournament organisers.
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.
More rainfall is forecast for Friday at Valhalla and there is also the possibility of thunderstorms.
More precipitation would further soften a course that was at the mercy of the world’s best players on Thursday, with leader Xander Schauffele three shots clear after a sparkling nine-under 62.
Schauffele matched the lowest score in men’s major championship history, the Olympic champion recording nine birdies in a flawless 62 to match the mark set by Branden Grace in the 2017 Open.
Grace’s feat was equalled by Rickie Fowler and Schauffele himself in the opening round of last year’s US Open, although neither man went on to lift the title at Los Angeles Country Club.
“It feels great,” Schauffele said. “It’s just day one, but if someone had said I was going to shoot nine under, I would certainly have taken it.
“I’ve been playing some really good golf, having a lot of close calls, so me and my team say why not keep chugging along?”
Despite such a low score, Schauffele was only three shots clear of compatriots Tony Finau and Sahith Theegala, with Rory McIlroy and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre part of a five-strong group on five under.
World number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Brooks Koepka both shot 67, while Jon Rahm fought back from four over par after six holes to return a 70.
Only three players have held a three-shot lead after the opening round of the US PGA, Dick Hart (1963), Bobby Nichols (1964) and Raymond Floyd (1982). Hart was the only one not to go on and lift the Wanamaker Trophy.
Scheffler is among the early starters with McIlroy off later this evening.
