Played strongly afterwards

Attack against police! US star Scheffler arrested

Scottie Scheffler even spent a short time in prison, and a picture of him in orange prison clothing was even published.(Bild: 2024 Getty Images)

US golf star Scottie Scheffler had a different start to the second day of the PGA Championship in Louisville. The world number one was arrested and charged with several offenses. Scheffler is said to have disregarded a roadblock near the Valhalla Golf Club. Undeterred by his brief stay in prison, the American then played brilliantly and established himself among the leaders.

What a thrill! Scottie Scheffler was temporarily arrested before the second round of the PGA Championship in Louisville. How did this happen? A pedestrian was struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club at 5am. A roadblock followed. But players, caddies and coaches were escorted past. Scheffler had a misunderstanding.

ESPN reporter was an eyewitness
According to ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who was a witness, Scheffler tried to drive around the accident scene on a median strip. A police officer instructed him to pull over. However, Scheffler drove on. The officer clung to the car and injured himself. When Scheffler stopped, the policeman immediately handcuffed him. The superstar was taken to prison, charged with assault, damage to property, reckless driving and disobeying traffic signals, but then released.

Back on the pitch, Scottie explained: "It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so given the tragic accident that had happened earlier. There was a big misunderstanding about what I thought I had been asked to do."

Some fans reacted very spontaneously to the arrest and immediately showed solidarity with the golf superstar.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

No intention
He also said: "I am confident that I can put all this behind me and concentrate on golf." He also expressed his condolences to the family of the accident victim. The PGA of America announced that the victim of the accident was an employee of a tournament supplier.

Scheffler's lawyer Steven Romines said: "At the entrance Scottie had shown his accreditation and was given precise instructions on how to get to the golf course. But the police officer knew nothing about it. That's how the miscommunication happened."

"Scottie's mental strength is unique"
Andreas Schwab, father of Austrian golf pro Matthias Schwab, knows Scottie and the Scheffler family very well: "They are some of the most good-natured people I know. For me, it's impossible that he deliberately ignored the police officer." Schwab was not surprised that Scheffler played a strong round of 66 (five under par) despite the mega turmoil and established himself in the top field: "Scottie's mental strength is unique. The birth of his son last week makes him even stronger."