From world number one to world number one daddy to a prison cell – and back again – Scheffler just wants to move on

Scottie Scheffler is eager to move past a tumultuous period after all criminal charges against him were dismissed, concluding an extraordinary fortnight for the world No. 1 golfer.

Scheffler, who had recently become a father to a baby boy just weeks before his arrest.

The golfer’s bid to secure a win at the US PGA Championship was disrupted on May 17 when he was arrested ahead of his second round. Scheffler had attempted to drive into Valhalla Golf Club amid heavy traffic caused by an unrelated accident in which a male pedestrian died. This led to charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic. Scheffler briefly spent time in jail before returning to the course to play his second round.

Scheffler’s lawyer, Steve Romines, had previously insisted that the charges against his client would either be dropped or go to trial. The former occurred when Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell filed a motion to dismiss all charges at the Hall of Justice in Louisville.

“This was an unfortunate misunderstanding,” Scheffler later posted on his Instagram page. “I hold no ill will towards Officer (Bryan) Gillis. I wish to put this incident behind me and move on, and I hope he will do the same. Police officers have a difficult job, and I hold them in high regard. This was a severe miscommunication in a chaotic situation.”

Scheffler expressed gratitude for the support he received during the ordeal and emphasized the real tragedy of May 17, extending his thoughts and prayers to the family of John Mills, the pedestrian who died. “I hope to personally offer my condolences now that his case is over. May John rest in peace,” he added.

In court, O’Connell stated, “Based upon the totality of the evidence, my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr. Scheffler. Mr. Scheffler’s characterization that this was a ‘big misunderstanding’ is corroborated by the evidence. Detective Gillis was concerned for public safety at the scene, but Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange do not satisfy the elements of any criminal offenses. For these reasons, I tender a motion to dismiss all these charges against Mr. Scheffler with prejudice.”

According to the police report, Detective Gillis stopped Scheffler’s car and attempted to give instructions, which Scheffler allegedly did not comply with, accelerating forward and dragging Gillis to the ground. However, there was no police bodycam footage available, as it had not been turned on.

Scheffler was arrested and detained by the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department but maintained that it was all a “big misunderstanding” upon his release, allowing him to continue participating in the US PGA Championship. Despite carding a second-round 66, Scheffler finished tied for eighth place, seven shots behind the eventual winner, Xander Schauffele.

A statement by the LMPD read, “We respect the county attorney’s decision and the judicial process. Videos and documents, previously unreleased due to the judicial process, will be made available after appropriate redactions via Louisville Metro Government’s online portal.”

Scheffler had been scheduled to return to Louisville on Monday for an arraignment. Lawyer Romines confirmed that Scheffler had no intention of filing a lawsuit against the LMPD. “We’re pleased the case has been dismissed with prejudice. We were prepared to litigate this matter both criminally and civilly. It is clear he did nothing wrong, and as more evidence emerged, it showed Scottie was a victim. Such incidents remind us how easily one can end up in jail through a misunderstanding.”

Romines added, “There are grounds for a lawsuit, but Scottie doesn’t want to pursue it as it would burden the taxpayers of Louisville. He wishes to move forward from this case.”

Scheffler, now focused on his family and career, looks to put this incident behind him and continue his journey in professional golf.