Scheffler charged with officer assault before PGA second round

LOUISVILLE: World number one Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a “chaotic situation” before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.

Scheffler, who was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car, said the incident was due to a misunderstanding with regards to traffic flow following a fatal accident in the area around Valhalla Golf Club.

“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,” Scheffler said on social media. “It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had 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.” When Scheffler arrived at the 10th tee at Valhalla to start his second round after a brief warm-up session he appeared relaxed and was greeted by loud cheers and chants of “Scottie.”

According to an ESPN report a police officer attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s car and then the Masters champion stopped his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla. ESPN also said the police officer then yelled at Scheffler to get out of the car, and when he did he shoved the golfer against the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs.

Photos were later published online of an unsmiling Scheffler wearing a jail-issued orange jumpsuit. Steve Romines, a local attorney hired on Scheffler’s behalf, said the golfer was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer.