Scottie Scheffler releases statement following Louisville PD arrest outside PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler has made a statement following the incidents this morning outside Valhalla Golf Club that led to his arrest by the Louisville Police Department.

Scheffler shared his words following his arrival back to the course. He explained what took place from his perspective as a driver in relation to the police. He also expressed his condolences for the fatal accident that caused the traffic this morning to begin with.

Scottie Scheffler's statement prior to Round 2 @PGAChampionship. pic.twitter.com/x26RFOqCIa

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 17, 2024

“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. 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,” Scheffler said. “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,” said Scheffler.

Earlier this morning outside the golf club, an accident involving a shuttle bus took the life of a pedestrian. That led to a line of traffic for those on the road and those attempting to get to the course. That includes the golfers and those involved with the PGA Championship. Reports state that they were able to bypass the incident in order to make their way into Valhalla.

However, there appears to have been a miscommunication of sorts when Scheffler attempted to do so. Officers went to stop him with one even attaching himself to the vehicle. Scheffler did come to a halt after several yards but not before police then detained him.

The Louisville Police Department then booked Scheffler downtown in their department of corrections. They did so under charges of “assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic” according to Olivia Russell at WAVE 3 News.

Soon after, Scheffler got his release with his lawyer making a statement. He has since returned to Valhalla for the second round of the PGA Championship. He is now warming up ahead of his tee time that is at 10:08 am ET.

Scheffler is the top golfer in the sport and further justified that with his win at The Masters last month. He currently sits in a tie for 12th at -4 following his opening round on Thursday. This also comes in the wake of becoming a father as of recently following the birth of his son.

Scheffler took all the headlines with what took place earlier on this morning. However, he and everyone else will look to put what took place out of mind for now while also keeping the unfortunate accident in their thoughts.