Free Scottie’: PGA peers discuss shock of Scheffler’s ‘wild’ arrest

Renowned for his calm demeanor and perceived as a wholesome family man, Scottie Scheffler’s recent headlines are far from his typical dominance in the golf world. The No. 1 golfer now has a mugshot in an orange jumpsuit and a scheduled arraignment on his record.

The PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club was jolted when news broke that Scheffler had been arrested just hours before the second round on May 17. Fellow golfers were stunned. “It’s wild,” Harris English remarked after his round. “Seeing Scottie in handcuffs on ESPN this morning was surreal.”

The incident began early that morning when a shuttle bus collided fatally outside the course, causing significant traffic delays. Around 6 a.m., Scheffler, attempting to bypass the congestion, was arrested. Charges included assaulting a police officer, reckless driving, disregarding traffic signals, and third-degree criminal mischief. Reports indicated an officer “attached himself to the side of Scheffler’s car” before it came to a stop.

Scheffler’s statement claimed he misunderstood police directions, and his attorney asserted that witnesses confirmed he was “proceeding as directed.” Support quickly emerged on social media, with Australian golfer Min Woo Lee tweeting #FreeScottie and later calling the arrest an “overreaction.”

Harris English noted that many golfers navigated around the accident similarly, adding, “That could have been any one of us.” Scheffler was released in time to tee off with Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, shooting a five-under 66 and moving to nine under for the week.

Brian Harman, in a pre-round interview with ESPN, expressed relief at Scheffler’s presence. “Knowing Scottie, he’s a great guy. I’m glad he’s here to play,” he said.

Despite the chaos, the golfing community largely supported Scheffler. Some, like Will Zalatoris, even suggested postponing the second round. However, Ian Poulter of LIV Golf, not participating in the event, urged a focus on the accident’s victim, John Mills, an employee of a PGA vendor. Poulter highlighted the tragic loss, stating, “Thoughts to the families affected by that news. Rather than all the press around Scottie. Sad day in golf.”