GettyImages-2153439204-Scottie Scheffler at PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Pro golfer Scottie Scheffler finished his Charles Schwab Challenge tied in 2nd place.
Despite being arrested on the morning of the PGA Championship and having an upcoming arraignment on Monday, June 3, Scheffler was surpassed by Davis Riley on Sunday, May 26, at the Colonial Country Club event in Dallas, Texas.
Scheffler, ranked No. 1 in the tournament, ended the final round with a 1-over 71, finishing five shots behind. Keegan Bradley also ended with the same final score.
During the tournament, Scheffler shared his thoughts on the passing of PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray, who tragically died by suicide on Saturday, May 25.
Scheffler expressed his thoughts and prayers for Grayson's family, stating that the news hasn't fully sunk in yet. He mentioned that he had gotten to know Grayson better over the past six months and emphasized the sadness and tragedy of the situation. The Associated Press reported his heartfelt sentiments on Saturday.
The tournament's outcome marked the end of a stressful week for Scheffler, who was taken into custody by the Louisville Metro Police on Friday, May 17.
An incident occurred that day which caused local law enforcement to block off the road outside the Valhalla Golf Club.
As per a police report acquired by ESPN, Scheffler was trying to get to the venue for the second round of the PGA Championship tournament. This happened while Detective Bryan Gillis was managing traffic after a tragic accident where an unidentified man was struck by a shuttle bus.
Scheffler was approached by Gillis who tried to give him some instructions. However, Scheffler did not follow them and instead sped up, causing Gillis to fall to the ground.
After the incident, Scheffler was handcuffed and brought to the nearby police station. Fortunately, he was released in time to make it back for the next round of the tournament.
The golfer's charges have not been dropped, according to Louisville mayor Grain Greenberg. During a press conference on Thursday, May 23, Greenberg mentioned that the legal process will continue. He stated, “We’re going to let that play out. We want to move forward [and] Mr. Scheffler has made it clear that he wants to move forward and I know that everyone else involved at LMPD wants to move forward.”
He emphasized the importance of LMPD focusing on reducing violent crime, gun violence, and ensuring the safety of the public. This is their daily mission, as demonstrated by their recent efforts at Valhalla and Shelbyville Road.
Scheffler faced charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals at the Kentucky police station.
He was ultimately released and made it to the tournament for his tee time.
Scheffler addressed the incident during a press conference on Friday, May 17.
"I still feel a bit dizzy. This morning was a bit of a blur," he mentioned. "I found myself stretching in a jail cell, which was definitely a new experience for me. It was like part of my pre-game routine. As I sat there waiting, I started going through my warmup. Despite the circumstances, I still had hope that I could make it out here and play."
Editor's P/S:
Despite the tumultuous events leading up to the Charles Schwab Challenge, Scottie Scheffler's resilience and determination were evident. His performance, while not a victory, showcased his ability to compartmentalize and focus amidst adversity. The passing of Grayson Murray also weighed heavily on the golfer, demonstrating the emotional toll that such tragedies can have on the PGA Tour community.
Scheffler's arrest and subsequent charges raised questions about the balance between public safety and the rights of individuals. While the incident with Detective Gillis should not be condoned, it is important to consider the circumstances and Scheffler's willingness to take responsibility. The legal process will continue, but the incident has highlighted the complexities of police interactions and the potential for misunderstandings.