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Why best golfer in world was handcuffed right before PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler detained by police before second round

Scottie Scheffler's was detained by police on May 17, 2024, in Louisville. (Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections)

LOUISVILLE – Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 golfer in the world, was handcuffed by police before the second round of the PGA Championship when he drove through a median to get around a fatal crash scene, ESPN reports.

The Louisville Metro Police said traffic outside the Valhalla Golf Club stopped around 5 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2024, because a man was struck and killed by a shuttle bus while crossing the road.

When Scheffler was trying to drive to the entrance of the course, he went around the crash scene on a median, according to a report from ESPN.

ESPN says a police officer told Scheffler to stop, but he continued to drive toward the entrance for about 10-20 yards. The officer at one point “attached himself to the side of Scheffler’s car,” the report says.

Scheffler ultimately stopped as he turned into the entrance.

The officer grabbed Scheffler’s arm to pull him out of the car and put the golfer in handcuffs, ESPN says.

“You need to get out of the way,” the officer told Jeff Darlington, of ESPN. “There’s nothing you can do. He’s going to jail.”

Police records show Scheffler has been charged with second-degree assaulting a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.

ESPN reports Scheffler posted bond and was on his way to the golf course by around 8:30 a.m.

Scheffler is coming off four wins in his last five tournaments, including this year’s Master’s. He shot a four-under round of 67 on Thursday and was tied for 12th -- five shots behind the leader, Xander Schauffele.

The fatal pedestrian crash delayed the second round of the tournament.

Scottie Scheffler's mugshot on May 17, 2024, in Louisville. (Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections)

About the Author
Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Digital Executive Producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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