Despite being arrested for several hours prior to the second round of the PGA Championship, Scottie Scheffler displayed remarkable composure on the course, shooting a five-under 66 to tie for the second-lowest score of the day. Scheffler's performance has garnered admiration for his ability to remain unfazed under pressure, even after admitting to being "pretty rattled" from the experience.
Scottie Scheffler's PGA Championship second round was a remarkable display of composure and resilience, considering the extraordinary circumstances that preceded it. Just hours before teeing off, Scheffler was arrested and detained for over two hours, a situation that could have easily shattered the focus of any golfer. Yet, Scheffler remained unwavered, shooting a five-under 66 to tie for the second-lowest score of the day and positioning himself two shots behind the leader, Collin Morikawa.
Scheffler's warm-up routine was severely disrupted by the arrest, with the reigning Masters champion admitting to spending some time stretching in a jail cell. The experience left Scheffler "pretty rattled," according to his own admission, with the nerves causing him to shake for an extended period.
"It took a few holes to feel normal. Obviously, I didn't have a normal warmup. I usually stick to my routine. I'm a big routine guy ... It took a few holes to settle in," Scheffler said after the round.
Despite the distractions, Scheffler's game remained sharp, with four birdies in his first eight holes on the front nine. He finished the round with five birdies and one bogey, demonstrating an ability to compartmentalize the stress of his arrest and focus on the task at hand.
Scheffler's performance has drawn admiration from fans and fellow golfers alike, with many acknowledging the difficulty of playing under such unusual circumstances.
"As a competitor, you always want to see your opponents at their best. And what Scottie did today was incredible," said Morikawa, who is tied for the lead heading into the weekend.
Scheffler admitted that coming out to play was a challenge, but he praised his parents for providing support during a difficult time.
"Everyone was there in a moment where I really needed them. I didn't stop shaking for a while," he said.
Scheffler's second-round performance has reignited his hopes of winning the PGA Championship, a tournament that has eluded him in the past. With two rounds remaining, Scheffler remains in contention and is poised to challenge the likes of Morikawa and other top golfers for the coveted title.
However, Scheffler's arrest has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to Louisville Metro Police, Scheffler was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
Scheffler was booked into the Louisville Department of Corrections later Friday, and the details of the incident are still emerging. It remains to be seen how the charges will impact his participation in the tournament and his overall reputation as one of the most respected players in the sport.
