WORLD no.1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was detained outside the PGA Championship course after allegedly trying to drive past cops.
The American pro, 27, was handcuffed and put in the back of a police car outside Valhalla Golf Club.
Scheffler is said to have stepped out of his car after a police officer launched himself onto the vehicle and screamed at him to stop.
The officer then shoved him against the car and placed him in handcuffs, before putting him in the back of a police car.
It is believed the incident took place after a misunderstanding with traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into the golf club.
Authorities had halted traffic after man was killed by a bus outside Valhalla, although it is not clear if this is related to Scheffler’s detention.
Traffic had been backed up for miles as a result of the accident, leading the world no.1 to try and get around the traffic to enter Valhalla, it is claimed.
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.
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.
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.
The images of 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.
His detention 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, and he will find it difficult to win back the level of respect he has revelled in so far.
