Scottie Scheffler was released after being charged by police before the second round of the PGA Championship | Golf News

Scottie Scheffler has arrived at Valhalla Golf Club following his arrest and release by police prior to the second round of the PGA Championship.

In a separate incident, play was delayed Friday due to a fatal accident near the golf course. It is believed that Scheffler was trying to avoid the scene of the accident when he was stopped by police.

Steve Romines, a local attorney assigned to Scheffler, told the media, “A traffic accident or maybe even a death on the road, and that had changed traffic behavior.”

“He was not aware of this and I think the officer directing traffic may not have been part of the traffic police at the event and this is where there was a misunderstanding.”

“They are allowed through, therefore they have the right, they are waved through.”

“Not knowing there had been an arrest, he proceeded as instructed.

“We’ll just deal with the case as it comes, Scottie will cooperate fully and we’ll deal with what happens next.”

“He did exactly what he was told to do to enter the premises.

“We will have a court, he has been released, we will decide whether he will play golf today or not and we will deal with the court system as it comes.”

“He is charged with assault, felonious assault and failure to signal an officer.

“The second attack is actually a felony.”

In a statement posted on Instagram, Scheffler said: “This morning I followed police instructions. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably given the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a huge misunderstanding about what I had said. “I thought I was being asked to do that.

“I never intended to disobey any of the instructions. I hope I can put that aside and focus on golf today.”

“Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in the earlier accident this morning. That really puts everything into perspective.”

In a video posted on social media by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, a police officer was heard saying after Scheffler was handcuffed, “Right now he’s going to jail and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Darlington, who witnessed the incident, saw Scheffler being handcuffed after a “misunderstanding” about traffic flow.

Darlington said of the coverage: “Traffic was backing up and increasing.

“Scottie Scheffler attempted to enter Valhalla Golf Club via a median strip, whereupon a police officer instructed him to stop.

“Scheffler attempted to continue driving, the officer then clung to the side of Scheffler’s car.

“Scheffler stopped the vehicle as he turned into the entrance to Valhalla Golf Club, approximately 10 to 20 meters from where the officer first asked him to stop.

“He reached in, opened the car door, pulled Scheffler out, pushed him against the car and immediately handcuffed him.”

The Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections confirmed Scheffler’s arrest on its website along with a photo of him in a prison jumpsuit.

The police website says he was arrested at 7:28 a.m. ET (12:28 BST) and then released at 8:40 a.m. ET (1:40 p.m. BST).

Scheffler was scheduled to tee off at 1:48pm BST after shooting a four-under 67 in his first round, leaving him five points behind leader Xander Schauffele. He later teeed off at 3:08 p.m. BST.

The world No. 1 has already won the Masters and Players Championship in 2024 and became a father last week when he and his wife Meredith gave birth to their baby son Bennett.

The first group was scheduled to leave at 12:15pm BST, but the start time was pushed back to 1:35pm BST.

Bad weather is also expected to disrupt Friday’s game.

The PGA of America released a statement on the separate traffic accident, saying: “This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker at one of our suppliers was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus in front of Valhalla Golf Club. “

“This is heartbreaking for all of us involved in the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones.”