Xander Schauffele Reflects on Scottie Scheffler: A Positive Encounter Amidst PGA Championship Victory
Following his triumph at the PGA Championship, Xander Schauffele shares his thoughts on Scottie Scheffler, emphasizing his positive character and dismissing any notion of malice or wrongdoing.
After winning his first major at the PGA Championship, Xander Schauffele shared with CNN his thoughts on world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. He expressed that Scheffler is a good person and should not have to deal with criminal charges.
Scheffler made headlines when he was arrested on felony charges after allegedly attempting to drive around a fatal crash scene in Louisville, Kentucky. This incident took place at the location where the 2024 PGA Championship is set to be held.
Scottie Scheffler walks the 18th fairway during the final round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 19, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Scottie Scheffler walks the 18th fairway during the final round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 19, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
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First reported on CNN, it was revealed that top police officials suggested that the charges against golfer Scottie Scheffler should be lowered, according to a source.
After being released from custody, Scheffler was able to participate in the tournament and ended up finishing with a score of 13-under, which put him eight shots behind Schauffele, who ultimately won the tournament.
"I've gotten to know Scottie pretty well. We've competed against each other and even shared a physio table. He's a good guy, and I can vouch for his character," Schauffele shared with CNN Sport's Don Riddell.
"My thoughts are with the family of the deceased. I also hope Scottie will be okay. He's not the type of person who deserves to have criminal charges against him."
Schauffele was not at the scene when Scheffler was arrested. A report from the Louisville Metro Police stated that Scheffler was attempting to enter Valhalla Golf Club but was halted by a police officer in full uniform and a yellow reflective rain jacket.
Scheffler (left) and Schauffele wait to putt at this year's Masters Tournament.
Scheffler (left) and Schauffele wait to putt at this year's Masters Tournament.
Tannen MauryUPI/Shutterstock
The report stated that the subject refused to comply and sped forward, causing Detective [Bryan] Gillis to fall to the ground. Gillis was taken to the hospital due to experiencing pain, swelling, and abrasions on his left wrist and knee.
According to Scheffler's attorney, Steven Romines, his client intends to plead not guilty to the charges.
Romines explained that Scheffler was following the instructions of one traffic officer while driving a marked player's vehicle with visible credentials. However, in the midst of confusion, he allegedly ignored signals from another officer, leading to the charges against him.
According to Romines, Scheffler promptly stopped when directed and did not engage in any assault towards the officer. The Masters champion described the incident as a significant misunderstanding of what he believed he was being instructed to do.
Scheffler, who had just become a new father, was the top golfer in the world and a popular choice to win another major tournament. However, his chances took a hit when unexpected events disrupted his game before the second round.
Despite the delay in his arraignment until June 3, Scheffler is making his return to the PGA Tour. He will be teeing off on Thursday at the Charles Schwab Challenge held at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX.
CNN’s Kevin Dotson and Susannah Cullinane contributed to reporting.
Editor's P/S:
The arrest of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler on felony charges has sent shockwaves through the golf world. Scheffler, who was arrested for allegedly attempting to drive around a fatal crash scene, has since been released from custody and is set to plead not guilty to the charges. While Scheffler's attorney maintains that the incident was a "significant misunderstanding," the charges against him have raised questions about his character and his future in the sport.
Xander Schauffele, who won the PGA Championship, has come to Scheffler's defense, vouching for his character and expressing hope that the charges will be dropped. Schauffele's comments highlight the close-knit nature of the golf community and the support that Scheffler has from his peers. However, the charges against Scheffler are serious and could have a lasting impact on his career. It remains to be seen how the legal process will play out and whether Scheffler will be able to clear his name and return to the top of the golf world.
