Scottie Scheffler has broken his silence after his astonishing arrest at Valhalla Golf Club on Friday morning.
In an astonishing series of events, Scheffler was seen being led into a police car in handcuffs after trying to enter the club before his second round at the PGA Championship.
The 27-year-old was booked into jail and a mugshot was released via the Louisville Department of Corrections, before he arrived back at Valhalla later on Friday morning ahead of his second round after being released. He is reportedly facing four criminal charges, including second-degree assault of a police officer.
‘This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,’ Scheffler said in a statement after returning to Valhalla in time for his second round.
‘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.
Scottie Scheffler has broken his silence after his astonishing arrest at Valhalla Golf Club
Scheffler was seen being led into a police car in handcuffs after trying to enter the club before his second round at the PGA Championship
The World No 1 golfer was arrested, booked into jail and later released. He reportedly faces four criminal charges, including second-degree assault of a police officer
‘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.’
Following a fatal accident outside Valhalla earlier in the morning, Scheffler reportedly trying to pull his vehicle around what he believed to be security staff. It was in fact cops, who told him to stop.
When he didn’t, ESPN claims one officer even tried to attach himself to Scheffler’s car as he drove another 10 yards before stopping.
The officer in question is then said to have grabbed at his car, attempting to pull him out before he opened the door. The golf star was eventually dragged out of the vehicle, pushed up against it and placed in handcuffs.
Remarkable footage which has gone viral on social media shows Scheffler being led into the police car after the misunderstanding on Friday morning.
As the golfer was led away, ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington – who filmed the incident – attempted to get the attention of officers. He was warned: ‘Back up or you’re going to jail also!’
‘Right now, he’s going to jail,’ another officer said. ‘He’s going to jail and there’s nothing you can do about it. Period.’