All the Scottie Scheffler Drama as it unfolds

Top-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler faced his first over-par round of the year during the third round of the PGA Championship on Saturday, following a tumultuous series of events that included his arrest. Scheffler’s attorney has denied charges that the golfer assaulted a police officer.

Scheffler was arrested on Friday morning after a confrontation with police at the entrance to Valhalla Golf Club. Despite the arrest, he returned from jail to deliver an impressive five-under-par 66, bringing him within three shots of the lead.

However, Saturday proved challenging for the two-time Masters champion. Scheffler began with a double bogey on the second hole, followed by consecutive bogeys. Although he managed a birdie on the fifth hole, his next three birdies were each followed by bogeys, culminating in a two-over 73. He finished the day at seven-under 206, eight strokes behind the leader.

“I definitely did not feel like myself but yesterday happened and I came out and did my best,” Scheffler said. “Tough day. Got off to a tough start. Was battling all day but seemed to follow every birdie with a bogey. Way too many mistakes. Pretty frustrated with the day.”

Adding to his difficulties was the absence of his regular caddie, Ted Scott, who was attending his daughter’s high school graduation. PGA Tour chaplain Brad Payne stepped in as a substitute.

Scheffler, 27, hopes to recover from these setbacks and aim for the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday, which would make him the first player to win the first two majors of a calendar year since 2015.

The world number one was arrested Friday morning after attempting to drive around police traffic control at Valhalla’s entrance, where an accident had resulted in the death of a pedestrian, John Mills. The incident led to Scheffler being handcuffed and arrested by Louisville Metropolitan Police Department (LMPD) officers. He faces charges of felony assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.

“We’ll be pleading not guilty,” said Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines. Police allege that Scheffler’s vehicle accelerated and dragged officer Bryan Gillis, causing knee and wrist injuries that required hospital treatment.

“I can’t comment on any specifics,” Scheffler said on Friday. “But my situation will be handled. It was just a big misunderstanding.”

An arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday. Romines stated that his client followed instructions at the scene and did not assault any officer with his car. “He was proceeding as directed by another traffic officer and driving a marked player’s vehicle with credentials visible,” Romines said. “In the confusion, Scottie is alleged to have disregarded a different officer’s traffic signals resulting in these charges.”

“Multiple eyewitnesses have confirmed that he did not do anything wrong but was simply proceeding as directed. He stopped immediately upon being directed to and never at any point assaulted any officer with his vehicle. We will litigate this matter as needed and he will be completely exonerated.”

A spokesperson for the Jefferson County Attorney’s office stated they are “still obtaining information in the case of Mr. Scheffler and will review and proceed accordingly.” A conviction on the felony charge alone could result in a five to ten-year prison sentence.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg commented, “It’s unfortunate that an incident took place between an LMPD officer and Mr. Scheffler while he was attempting to enter Valhalla. LMPD is fully investigating this incident and the legal process will proceed. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.”

Scheffler and eyewitnesses indicated that the officers did not recognize him as one of the star players attracting over 200,000 fans to the event. Despite his ordeal, Scheffler managed to make his tee time and perform admirably, even though he was visibly shaken by the experience.

“I was shaking. I would say in shock and in fear,” Scheffler said on Friday. “It was definitely a challenge.”