Despite his arrest and criminal charges, Scottie Scheffler maintained his focus on the PGA Championship, shooting a remarkable 66 in the second round. Fans rallied behind the embattled golfer, wearing T-shirts with his mugshot and chanting messages of support amid the chaos.
In an unprecedented turn of events, the world's number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including assaulting a police officer, in the early hours of Friday morning. Despite the unsettling incident, Scheffler demonstrated remarkable resilience on the golf course, carding a six-under-par 66 in the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Course in Kentucky.
Scheffler's arrest stems from an altercation with police officers following an alleged traffic violation. He was taken into custody and booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections on multiple charges, including second-degree assault of a police officer (a felony), criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
Upon his release from jail, Scheffler returned to the golf course and was met with a mix of support and astonishment. While some fans expressed concern and dismay over his arrest, others rallied behind him, wearing T-shirts emblazoned with his mugshot and chanting messages of "Free Scottie."
One supporter, John Glenwood of Louisville, told The Associated Press, "He's the best guy out there right now, both as a player and a person. We're here to support him."
Despite the distraction of his arrest, Scheffler showcased his unwavering focus on the golf course. He notched six birdies and a single bogey in his round, moving within striking distance of tournament leader Xander Schauffele, who holds a two-stroke advantage at 12-under par.
"As far as best rounds of my career, I would say it was pretty good," Scheffler said after his round. "I definitely never imagined ever going to jail, and I definitely never imagined going to jail the morning before one of my tee times."
Scheffler's arrest has raised questions and concerns about his conduct and the potential impact on his golfing career. However, the support from fans and fellow players has been overwhelming, providing him with much-needed encouragement during this challenging period.
The PGA of America issued a statement acknowledging Scheffler's arrest but declined to comment on specific details or the ongoing legal proceedings. The tournament continued on schedule, with the third round originally scheduled to start at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday. However, a fog delay has pushed back the start of play.
As the PGA Championship unfolds, all eyes will be on Scheffler as he navigates both the criminal charges against him and the demanding competition on the golf course. His resilience and determination will be tested like never before, and the outcome of both the tournament and his legal case will be closely watched.
