Reflective Scottie Scheffler discusses arrest, baby and Grayson Murray

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is set to compete in The Memorial Tournament, bringing a sense of refreshed energy after spending quality time with his newborn son. Scheffler took a break from golf last week, opting to stay home in Dallas with his wife Meredith and their baby, Bennett.

“I got some good rest at home last week. We had pretty bad weather in Dallas, so it wasn’t too great for golf, so I’m feeling pretty rested,” Scheffler said during his pre-tournament news conference at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. His brief practice session on the greens left him feeling prepared for the tournament, marking his fourth appearance at Jack Nicklaus’ event, where he finished third in the past two years.

The time away from the course was spent embracing the challenges and joys of first-time fatherhood. Scheffler shared his experiences of learning to care for Bennett. “Right now, I’m still trying to learn how to burp him and change his diaper and stuff like that, so as far as the true parenting, I’m trying to just be the best support I can at home,” he said, noting that his wife handled the night duties, allowing him to catch up on much-needed sleep.

Scheffler also faced significant legal challenges recently. On May 29, prosecutors in Louisville, Kentucky, dropped all charges against him related to his May 17 arrest near Valhalla Golf Club, where he had been charged with several offenses, including felony second-degree assault of a police officer. Jefferson County attorney Mike O’Connell confirmed that the charges would not be pursued, describing the incident as a “big misunderstanding.”

Reflecting on the ordeal, Scheffler admitted the experience was traumatic. “It’s not something that I love reliving, just because it was fairly traumatic for me being arrested going into the golf course,” he said. Despite the relief of having the charges dropped, he acknowledged the incident would remain a significant memory, symbolized by his mug shot. He decided against pursuing legal action against the police, emphasizing his unwillingness to burden Louisville residents financially.

In addition to his personal experiences, Scheffler addressed the recent death of fellow golfer Grayson Murray, who died by suicide on May 25. Scheffler expressed the collective grief and shock felt by the golfing community. “When we found out Grayson passed away last week, it was obviously a pretty big shock to all of us. It’s been a tough 10 days trying to process what transpired,” he said. He fondly remembered Murray as a sweet and hardworking individual, conveying the sense of regret and helplessness felt by those who knew him.

As Scheffler prepares for the upcoming challenges at The Memorial and the US Open, he balances the demands of professional golf with the new responsibilities and joys of fatherhood, aiming to move forward with renewed focus and energy.