TOP world golfer Scottie Scheffler has broken his silence following a dramatic arrest ahead of the PGA Championship today.
The golf pro, 27, was charged with the second-degree assault of a police officer after a clash with cops near the course in Louisville.
He allegedly dragged an officer along the road underneath his car after a “misunderstanding” caused by temporary traffic measures.
Scheffler has now said he is “rattled” and “in shock” after the dramatic events of Friday morning.
He told reporters: “It was a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding. My head is still spinning.
“I spent some time warming up in a jail cell, which was a first for me.
“I was pretty rattled, to say the least… I was never angry, I was just in shock. I was shaking for about an hour.”
Cops had set up diversion systems in traffic near the Valhalla Golf Club this morning after a fatal accident and were directing cars in the dark.
Witnesses said Scheffler tried to swerve around what he thought was a group of security staff – who were in fact police.
One cop reportedly threw himself onto the golf star’s car, screaming at him to stop driving.
A police report said The Masters champion “refused to comply and accelerated forward” during the chaos, “dragging Detective Gillis” to the ground.
Dramatic footage showed him being handcuffed and bundled into a police car flanked by two cops.
He was charged with a felony offence of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer.
A second-degree assault is a class C felony in Kentucky which means using a “dangerous instrument” to intentionally cause injury – i.e. a car.
Conviction for class C felonies carry with them a possible jail sentence of between five and ten years, meaning Scheffler could face a hefty jail sentence if convicted.
In three hours, Scheffler was arrested, had his mugshot snapped and made his way back to the golf course just 56 minutes before he teed off in the second round.
The golfer claimed it had been a “big misunderstanding”.
He said: “This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers.
“It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do.
“I never intended to disregard any of the instructions.
“I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on the golf today.”
Speaking after his return to the tournament, Scheffler said on Friday evening: “Coming out here and trying to play today was definitely a challenge, but I did my best to control my mind and control my breathing… just try to play golf.
“I knew there was going to be a lot of distractions… but to be honest, it was great having the fans behind me. I felt they were really glad to have me out here competing today.”
Today’s shocking events pushed back tee times for the second round as investigations continued following the morning’s tragic accident.
Squeaky-clean Scheffler is famed for his God-fearing family man image and has never been tainted by even a hint of scandal.
His shame came just days after his wife, Meredith, gave birth to their first child, Bennett.
Scheffler and Ryder Cup team-mate Sam Burns even run a bible group for players and caddies.
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.”
One moment of madness, or a mix-up, could see his world turned upside down.
