Scottie Scheffler during the first round of the 2024 PGA Championship. | Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Louisville Police arrested Scottie Scheffler early Friday, which led to chaos across the golf world.
Louisville Police arrested Scottie Scheffler early Friday morning over an incident stemming from a misunderstanding over traffic flow.
The news created a bizarre and unprecedented scene outside Valhalla Golf Club, which ESPN’s Jeff Darlington documented extensively.
Scheffler attempted to enter the golf course by going around traffic, as police shut down the road because of a fatal accident that occurred early Friday morning.
But then, an officer ordered Scheffler to stop, which led to his arrest and detaining. Scheffler remains in custody, and police have not indicated whether he will make it to 10:08 a.m. ET. The PGA of America delayed the second round of the PGA Championship by one hour and 20 minutes.
Understandably, this situation led to an early morning barrage of social media posts, with golf fans losing their minds over Scheffler’s arrest.
Scottie just locked up 2024 PIP with today’s social media impressions
— Geoff Fienberg (@gfienberg17) May 17, 2024
Scottie Scheffler getting cuffed before the PGA championship from a misunderstanding is one step away from shooting Derek Jeter in the tunnel before the World Series in The Other Guys pic.twitter.com/t5b3kIA6Df
— Billy (@Billyhottakes) May 17, 2024
Scottie just locked up 2024 PIP with today’s social media impressions
— Geoff Fienberg (@gfienberg17) May 17, 2024
The incident also led players and fans alike to post, “#FreeScottie.”
Then, many fans and prominent golf accounts called for Golf Channel analyst Johnson Wagner to re-create the scene. Wagner has become a cult hero in recent months, re-creating moments from the golf course for Golf Channel’s Live From segment. Last week, he provided perspective on Xander Schauffele’s drop at the Wells Fargo Championship. He also re-enacted Rory McIlroy’s drive—and subsequent drop—at The Players in March.
Buckle up Johnson Wagner, you’re going to jail tonight #PGA
— JW (@jdub1919) May 17, 2024
This incredibly bizarre situation remains ongoing, and fans will surely continue to share their thoughts on social media.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.
