Scottie Scheffler arrived at Valhalla Golf Club after being arrested and released by police ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship.
In a separate incident, play was delayed due to a fatal crash near the course on Friday, and Scheffler is believed to have been trying to avoid the scene of the incident when he was stopped by police.
In a video posted to social media by ESPN's Jeff Darlington, after Scheffler is handcuffed, a police officer says, “Now he's going to jail. There's nothing you can do about it.” I heard you doing it.
Darlington, who was watching the incident unfold, saw Scheffler being handcuffed after a “misunderstanding” about traffic flow.
“Traffic was decreasing and increasing,” Darlington said in an interview.
“Scottie Scheffler attempted to use the side divider to enter Valhalla Golf Club, at which point a police officer ordered him to stop.
“Scheffler attempted to continue driving, but the officer pinned himself to the side of Scheffler's vehicle.
“As Mr. Scheffler turned into Valhalla Golf Club, he stopped his vehicle at the entrance approximately 10 to 20 yards from where the officer first instructed him to stop.
“He reached inside the car, opened the car door, pulled Scheffler out of the car, pinned him against the car, and immediately handcuffed him.”
The Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections confirmed Scheffler's arrest on its website with a photo of Scheffler wearing a prison jumpsuit.
The Lewesville Metropolitan Corrections Department released Mr. Scheffler at 8:40 a.m. ET.
According to the police website, he was arrested at 7.28am ET (12.28am BST) and released at 8.40am ET (13.40am BST).
Scheffler shot a 4-under 67 in the first round to put him five behind leader Xander Schauffele and was scheduled to tee off at 1:48 p.m. (Japan time). He is currently scheduled to tee off at 3:08pm BST.
The world No. 1 has already won the 2024 Masters and The Players Championship and became a father last week, welcoming son Bennett with wife Meredith.
The first group was scheduled to depart at 12:15pm (BST), but the start time was postponed until 1:35pm (BST).
Friday's play is also expected to be suspended due to inclement weather.
The PGA of America issued a statement regarding another traffic accident, saying, “This morning we are saddened by the tragic loss of an employee of one of our vendors who was struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside of Valhalla Golf Club. I was shocked to hear this news.”
“This is heartbreaking for all of us involved with the PGA Championship and our deepest condolences go out to their families and loved ones.”
“General Shock” in Valhalla
Kira K. Dixon of Sky Sports Golf at Valhalla….
“I spoke with several members of the media and confirmed that Scheffler has been officially appointed. We have heard reports that he has been released, but we are waiting to confirm that. That's where I'm at.
“Speaking to players and support staff, we are generally shocked at how people are scrolling on their phones or watching TV to get as much news as possible.
“I have contacted Scheffler's representatives and members of his team. Understandably, I have not heard back yet, because I think the whole world is trying to contact them.”
“If Scheffler were to come here, he would be in a situation where he would be exposed to staff, media and other players who would want to hear the details from the horse's mouth, so it would be difficult to say that he is here to play. Unthinkable.”
