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:
Scottie Scheffler resumes PGA Championship in second round
Scottie Scheffler pleads for help after being detained by police
Scottie Scheffler was heard asking “Can you please help me?” after police detained him near Valhalla Golf Club before the second round of the PGA Championship on Friday, 17 May, footage from ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington shows.
ESPN said the Masters champion, 27, drove past a police officer to get around a crash scene in his SUV with markings indicating it was a PGA Championship vehicle before the officer screamed at him to stop and then grabbed onto the car until Scheffler stopped approximately 10 yards later.
Scheffler was booked by the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections and is facing charges of second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic, CNN reported.
Watch the full clip below:
Statement from Scheffler
The World No.1 has released a brief statement after this morning’s incidents:
"This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. 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. 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."
Scheffler facing four charges
Per multiple reports, Scheffler faces four charges after the alleged incident this morning:
-Second-degree assault of a police officer
-Third-degree criminal mischief
-Reckless driving
-Disregarding traffic signals from an officer
Scheffler on the range
It’s business as usual now for the World No.1 as he heads to the range. He now has around 25 minutes until his tee time.
Scottie Scheffler heading to the practice range, just over a half-hour before his tee time. pic.twitter.com/IcxNu8sqWV
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 17, 2024
PGA of America confirms death after fatal accident
The incident involving Scottie Scheffler arose because a traffic jam was caused following a collision between a member of the public and a shuttle bus.
Now, the PGA of America have confirmed that the person involved has tragically been killed.
A statement released moments ago said: “This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club.
“This is heart breaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Scottie Scheffler’s lawyer speaks to the press after the golfer’s arrest
Just spoke with Steve Romines, lawyer for Scottie Scheffler @WLKY pic.twitter.com/Ui1S4q4lS7
— Madison Elliott (@MadisonWLKY) May 17, 2024
Scottie Scheffler arrives at Valhalla
Scheffler has been released and has made his way to Valhalla, arriving 53 minutes before his revised tee time of 3.08pm BST. The start of the second round was delayed by an hour and 20 minutes due to the fatal car accident that occured in the early hours of this morning.
Scottie Scheffler arrested ahead of PGA Championship second round
Chaotic scenes at Valhalla this morning with Scottie Scheffler, one of the favourites for PGA Championship victory, arrested by Louisville Police just hours before the start of the second round. Here’s what we know:
Golfer Scottie Scheffler arrested hours before PGA Championship tee time
The Masters champion has been charged after the incident at Valhalla
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