Jailed and released world No1 releases staement

In a statement released Friday morning, Scottie Scheffler, the Masters champion and the No. 1 golfer in the world, detailed the events leading to his arrest on the way to the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky. Scheffler’s statement was shared on social media by the PGA Tour.

Scheffler explained that the incident occurred as he was trying to navigate traffic caused by a tragic accident near the Valhalla Golf Club. A worker for one of the PGA vendors had been struck and killed by a shuttle bus, leading to significant traffic congestion.

“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,” Scheffler 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.”

According to an AP report, traffic was backed up for about a mile in both directions on the only road leading to Valhalla Golf Club. Dozens of police cars with flashing lights were near the entrance, adding to the confusion. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that Scheffler, driving an SUV marked with the PGA Championship logo, drove past a police officer. The officer reportedly yelled at him to stop and then physically attached himself to the car until Scheffler halted about 10 yards later.

Darlington stated that police officers pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him against it, and immediately placed him in handcuffs. Scheffler, visibly stunned, reportedly said, “Please help me,” indicating his confusion about the situation’s rapid escalation.

The police did not initially recognize Scheffler. Darlington mentioned that when he identified himself as media, an officer told him, “There’s nothing you can do. He’s going to jail.”

In his statement, Scheffler emphasized that he “never intended to disregard any of the instructions” from the police. “I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today,” he wrote. He also expressed condolences for the family of the man who died in the earlier accident, stating, “It truly puts everything in perspective.”

Scheffler, who had been home in Dallas for three weeks awaiting the birth of his first child, entered the PGA Championship after a successful streak, including his second Masters title. He opened the tournament with a 4-under 67, five shots behind the lead, as he aimed to become only the fifth player since 1960 to win the first two majors of the year.

The 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, began Thursday and runs through Sunday. Scheffler was scheduled to start his second round at 8:48 a.m., with tee time shortly after 10 a.m.