Scottie Scheffler Reflects on Arrest: Feeling Dizzy from PGA Championship Incident

Scottie Scheffler Says His Head Is Still Spinning After Arrest on Morning of PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Pro golfer Scottie Scheffler, 27, is still trying to make sense of his arrest on Friday, May 17. During a press conference after competing in the second round of the PGA Championship, Scheffler expressed that he felt like his head was still spinning. He shared that he had an unusual experience of stretching in a jail cell, which was a first for him. Despite the unexpected situation, Scheffler mentioned that he tried to stay focused on his warmup routine as he waited, hoping that he could still come out and play.

Scheffler was arrested by Louisville Metro Police on Friday morning for driving onto the Valhalla Golf Club lot during the tournament. According to ESPN, he allegedly ignored a local police officer's instructions to stop driving. The streets around Valhalla were closed temporarily due to a fatal car accident involving a pedestrian and a shuttle bus at 5 a.m.

At the Kentucky police station, Scheffler faced charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and running through traffic signals. Despite this, he was released and managed to return to the PGA Championship on time for his tee off. Before starting his round, Scheffler mentioned in a social media post that the whole incident was a "misunderstanding."

"It took me a few holes to feel normal out there. I usually have a specific warmup routine that I stick to," Scheffler shared with reporters. "I'm big on routines, especially when it comes to getting ready. It took me a bit to get settled in, but I really enjoyed being out there competing. It's one of my favorite things to do in the world, so I felt lucky to be able to do it again today."

Scottie Scheffler Says His Head Is Still Spinning After Arrest on Morning of PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler Andy Lyons/Getty Images

While it took a moment for Scheffler to focus his energy on golf, he was admittedly “rattled” at the start.

"I was pretty shaken up to say the least. The officer who escorted me to the jail was really kind and we had a nice chat in the car, which helped me calm down," shared the Masters champ during the press conference. "As I waited to go in, I asked him to stay with me for a few minutes so I could relax. I wasn't angry, just in shock. My body was shaking the whole time, a feeling I had never experienced before."

After Friday's rounds, Scheffler finished tied for fourth place and is excited to get back on the green for Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19.

Scheffler told reporters that he will try his best to stay calm after the morning incident, lower his heart rate, and prepare for the long weekend. He mentioned that he will return to his usual routine for the remainder of the tournament.

An arraignment has been set for Tuesday, May 21, at 9 a.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

Scottie Scheffler's arrest on Friday is a reminder that even the most successful athletes are not immune to the law. Scheffler's alleged actions were reckless and dangerous, and he is fortunate that he was not seriously injured or that he did not injure anyone else. Scheffler's arrest is also a reminder of the importance of following the instructions of law enforcement officers. Police officers are there to protect the public, and they have the authority to detain individuals who are suspected of committing a crime. Scheffler should have obeyed the officer's instructions to stop driving, and he should not have attempted to flee.

Scheffler's arrest is also a reminder of the importance of mental health. Scheffler admitted that he was "rattled" after his arrest, and he struggled to focus on golf. It is clear that Scheffler was traumatized by his experience, and he may need professional help to cope with the aftermath of his arrest. Scheffler's arrest is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that it is important to seek help if you are struggling.