SCHEFFLER COP DRAMA Scottie Scheffler HANDCUFFED by police after world no.1 drove through traffic stop near PGA Championship course
WORLD No.1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was dramatically detained by cops outside the PGA Championship today - just hours before he was due to tee off.
Video showed the American pro, 27, being marched to a police car in handcuffs as he allegedly looked a reporter in the eyes and said: "Please help me."
The Masters champion was detained by police on Friday morning on his way to the Championship in Louisville.
He was seen in video wearing a light blue shirt, dark shorts, and trainers with his hands cuffed behind his back as he was led by cops to a police car parked outside Valhalla Golf Club.
The golfer appeared stony-faced, wearing a bright orange prison uniform, in a mugshot taken at Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections and released by cops on Friday afternoon.
Scheffler was detained after he allegedly failed to follow police orders as cops investigated a pedestrian fatality, according to ESPN.
A pedestrian had been hit by a bus and killed while crossing the road in a line dedicated to tournament traffic.
The world No.1 golfer, who was due to start the second round at 8.48am this morning, allegedly drove past a police officer in his SUV.
Markings on the door of the car indicated Scheffler was driving a PGA Championship vehicle.
The cop reportedly screamed at the pro athlete to stop driving, throwing himself on top of the vehicle.Scheffler stopped driving about 10 metres later, according to ESPN.
ESPN journalist Jeff Darlington said he watched as police pulled the golfer from the car, pushed him up against the vehicle, and cuffed him.
The reporter claimed Scheffler looked toward him and said: "Please help me."
Video showed the golfer being marched over to a police car, its lights flashing red and blue, before he was guided into the back seat.
Traffic was backed up for about a mile in both directions on the only road that leads to Valhalla Golf Club
A police officer allegedly told ESPN's Jeff Darlington: "There's nothing you can do, he's going to jail."
According to Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir, Scheffler was later released by Louisville Police, although conflicting reports have suggested this is not the case.Scheffler's detention comes just weeks after he was crowned Masters Champion with his four-shot victory at Augusta National.
It was the second time the golfer has won The Masters in just three years, living up to his billing as pre-tournament favourite by claiming the Green Jacket.
Image of golf’s most clean-cut star in handcuffs will shock fans worldwide
THE images of Scottie Scheffler being hauled off to jail in handcuffs will shock the golfing world, because no-one has a more clean-cut image than the world No 1, writes David Facey.
Scheffler’s detainment for allegedly speeding past a police car on his way to tee off in round two of the USPGA Championship goes against everything the god-fearing family man stands for.
The fact that it has happened barely a week after his wife, Meredith, gave birth to their first child, Bennett, makes it even more shocking.
Scheffler and Ryder Cup team-mate Sam Burns organise a bible group attended by other PGA Tour players and caddies, and there has never been a whiff of scandal associated with the 27 year old.
Before returning to action at the USPGA - following a three week break to enjoy becoming a dad for the first time - Scheffler spoke about how blissfully happy his life was now.
He said: “At home it was a nice time to reflect a little bit on my career so far and where my life has gone.
“I married my high school sweetheart and I always wanted to play professional golf, and of course I’ve done that, and won two Masters and become world No 1.
“When I was at home I was sitting there with a newborn in my arms and the green jacket in the closet. It was a pretty special time I think.”
But it looks like one moment of madness may have turned Scheffler’s world upside down.
Round 2 of the 2024 PGA Championship has been delayed until 8.35am due to the accident near the course - and not Scheffler's detention.
All tee times are now expected to take place more than an hour after their original times, with Scheffler's moved back to 10.08am.
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