Scottie Scheffler Releases Statement Following Friday Morning Arrest

Mike McDaniel | May 17, 2024

May 16, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Scottie Scheffler walks off the 18th green after finishing / Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler released a statement following his Friday morning arrest outside of Valhalla Country Club in Louisville.

"This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers," Scheffler said. "It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I'm hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today. Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective."

Scheffler was arrested on Friday morning prior to the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Country Club after driving past the scene of an active police investigation involving a shuttle bus that killed a pedestrian.

Scheffler proceeded around the accident in the direction of the golf course, when a police officer latched himself to Scheffler's car. According to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, Scheffler allegedly continued to drive 10-15 yards at a slow speed with the officer attached to Scheffler's vehicle before the car came to a stop and Scheffler was arrested.

Scheffler is facing charges of felony second-degree assault of a police officer, misdemeanor third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.

Scheffler made it to Valhalla in time for the start of his second round tee time at 10:09 am ET.