PGA Championship 2024: Xander Schauffele leads after Scottie Scheffler plays on despite arrest
The Masters champion described his arrest outside Valhalla as a ‘big misunderstanding’ as he returned to shoot a five-under 66 and keep himself in contention at the halfway stage
Xander Schauffele maintained a slender lead at the halfway stage of the PGA Championship after a day dominated by the chaotic arrest of Scottie Scheffler in the early hours of Friday morning at Valhalla.
The American had been attempting to make his way to the course ahead of the start of the second round, but was stopped by police over what he later called “a big misunderstanding”.
Scheffler was placed in handcuffs and arrested, before being charged by the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections, with the second round pushed back by an hour and 20 minutes due to the fatal accident.
The 27-year-old was later released by police and produced a sparkling five-under-par 66 to remain in contention for his second major in as many months. The World No.1 sits three shots back of Schauffele who fired a three-under 69 to set the clubhouse lead at -12.
Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa and fellow American Sahith Theegala sit in contention at -11 and -10 respectively but Rory McIlroy’s bid to end his decade-long major drought stuttered after a disappointing even-par round.
Relive all the action from the second round of the PGA Championship below:
Rahm facing a battle
Rahm E (3*)
It was a stuttering display from the Spaniard in round one but he battled back impressively to finish one-under-par. Well, it’s a similar story to start this morning, with Rahm bogeying his third hole of the day to drop back to even par.
Work to do for the two-time major champion to ensure he’s here on the weekend.
Bogey for Scheffler
Scheffler -4 (2*), Clark -1 (2*), Harman E (2*)
Having started with a birdie, the World No.1 gives one straight back at the second after a three-putt on the par-3 11th. He’s got better in recent months but the putter has proved his achilles heel at points in the last year or so.
Clark and Harman, meanwhile, scramble well to save their pars.
Hole-in-one!
Soderberg E (8)
What a shot from Sebastian Soderberg! Perfectly judged by the Swede and he claims the first ace at this year’s tournament at the par-3 eighth. He’s back to even par and in with a chance of making the cut.
ACE!
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2024
Sebastian Soderberg makes the first hole in one of the week from 169 yards on No. 8!#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/cyrirzEULX
Onto the par-3 11th
Scheffler -5 (1*), Clark -1 (1*), Harman E (1*)
Much like his opening tee shot, Scheffler’s first into the par-3 11th just leaks out to the right. It’s just off the green in the light fringe, though, so no problems there you’d suspect.
Birdies all round
Scheffler -5 (1*), Clark -1 (1*), Harman E (1*)
All three of these players have good looks at birdie...and they all take advantage. It’s mere tap-ins for Clark and Scheffer, while Harman pours his in from a good range.
The World No.1 back up and running with a birdie and just four off the lead now.
Scheffler in close
Scheffler -4, Clark E, Harman +1
The World No.1 holed out for an eagle on his first hole yesterday and almost does so again, this time at the par-5 tenth.
The ball comes to rest just below the hole and that should be an easy tap-in birdie to start his round. Simply remarkable.
Police officer makes claims against Scottie Scheffler
Police officer Bryan Gillis says that Scottie Scheffler “disobeyed his orders and then dragged him to the ground with his car causing injuries to the officer and his clothing.”
Other early starters
Kim -6 (2*)
It’s a damp course out there right now so greens will be receptive. We’ve only just started to be shown TV coverage but Tom Kim has made an early birdie to move alongside the group in tied second.
Day one recap
Well, it looks like we should be able to turn our attention back to the golf now. Here’s a recap of what we saw yesterday, including a positive start for Rory McIlroy and a record-breaking round from Xander Schauffele.
Xander Schauffele matches record as Rory McIlroy thrives at PGA Championship
For the second time in 11 months, Schauffele equalled the lowest score in men’s major championship history.
Scheffler underway
Scheffler -4, Clark E, Harman +1
So, here we go. One can only imagine what must be going through his head right now as Scheffler heads to the tenth tee. He’s greeted by roars from the Louisville fans as the rain continues to fall down on Valhalla.
He’s alongside reigning US Open champion Wyndham Clark and reigning Open champion Brian Harman in this second round and leaks his opening tee shot out to the right rough.
He’s starting on the par-five tenth so that will be a lay-up into the green.
Scottie Scheffler tees off and begins his second round of the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/HgIiBZoYZ2
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 17, 2024
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