World number one golfer arrested after traffic incident

By Hoang Nguyen May 21, 2024 | 05:00 am PT

Scottie Scheffler wins The Players Championship in March 2024. Photo by AP

World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested near the entrance of Valhalla golf course for misunderstanding a traffic control signal after a fatal accident nearby.

Before the PGA Championship began its second stage in Louisville, Kentucky, the police closed the road in front of the golf course on May 17 to deal with the scene of the accident where a bus struck and killed John Mills, a sales partner for the organizer of the tournament.

The police’s report stated that Scheffler was going to the main gate of the course at 6:12 a.m. when he decided to take another route due to traffic congestion. Detective Bryan Gillis tried to stop Scheffler and give him specific instructions but he did not cooperate. Instead, the golfer accelerated, which dragged Gillis along and injured him.

ESPN reported that Scheffler stopped right at the gate when was asked to get out of his car and immediately put in handcuffs. He was taken to the police station and charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and not following traffic signals from an officer.

Scheffler was released after being detained for two and a half hours. The accident also delayed the beginning of the second stage and Scheffler made it back in time for the tournament. He finished the second stage with a score of -5 and peaked fourth.

"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. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions," Scheffler said in a statement.

The 2024 PGA Championship concluded on Monday with the title and the grand prize of $3.33 million won by Xander Schauffele. He finished the tournament at -21, setting a new scoring record for the tournament. Scheffler dipped from fourth to eighth as he finished at -13.

On Tuesday, ABC News reported that Scheffler’s arraignment following his arrest has been postponed to June 3.

Scheffler has won four events on the PGA Tour this year, including a stellar performance at The Masters in April, his second Masters win and second major title.