Scottie Scheffler says ‘stretching in a jail cell was a primary’ after arrest at PGA Championship

Golf professional Scottie Scheffler says that “stretching in a jail cell was a primary” for him, after being arrested the morning earlier than returning to play within the PGA Championship.

The world primary stated at a press convention that his head was “nonetheless spinning” from the day’s occasions and that he had “by no means imagined going to jail,” least of all earlier than a tee time.

Scheffler was arrested on Friday morning in Valhalla, Kentucky, and charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree prison mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding visitors alerts from an officer directing visitors.

He had reportedly been attempting to make his method to the Valhalla Golf Membership for the occasion, unaware that an unrelated accident had taken place shortly earlier than. A pedestrian had died and a big police presence was in attendance, with visitors backed up.

Whereas getting into the venue, Scheffler had been ordered to cease by an officer however tried to proceed, in response to ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed the occasion. The police officer then “connected himself to the aspect of Scheffler’s automobile”.

Scheffler stopped the automobile, however was then pulled from the car. Outstanding footage confirmed the 27-year-old being positioned in handcuffs and led away, as he referred to as out for assist.

Regardless of the “chaotic state of affairs” he was launched and made his method to the course lower than an hour earlier than he was as a result of tee off, on the revised time of 10.08am. Scheffler advised reporters at a press convention afterward Friday that he was nonetheless unable to clarify precisely what occurred.

“I did spend a while stretching in a jail cell – that was a primary for me,” he stated.  “I used to be simply sitting there ready and, you already know, I began going by my heat up. I felt like there was an opportunity I’m in a position to nonetheless come out right here and play and so I began going by my routine.

“I attempted to get my coronary heart fee down as a lot as I may right this moment, however like I stated, I nonetheless really feel like my head is spinning somewhat bit. However I used to be lucky to have the ability to make it again out and play some golf.”

Scheffler praised the regulation enforcement officers and stated he had been handled kindly all through the ordeal. One officer had jokingly supplied him “the total [prison] expertise” and given him a sandwich.

Scheffler additionally stated he watched clips of his personal arrest on the information whereas laying within the cell.

“I used to be shaking for like an hour,” he stated. “It was positively a brand new feeling for me and he got here out and we had a pleasant chat after which the officers contained in the jail had been great. A few them made some jokes once they found out who I used to be and what occurred and the way I ended up there.”

Although he admitted to being “rattled” by the expertise, Scheffler went on to ship a unbelievable spherical on Friday, recording a four-under spherical of 67 to take a seat tied for twelfth after spherical one, 5 pictures behind chief Xander Schauffele.

He advised reporters that the sport had been a welcome distraction and one thing to concentrate on after being booked.

“It was good to have the ability to get contained in the ropes and do what I like to do. I really like competing out right here on tour, I really like taking part in in main championships and I’ve stored myself within the match now with a reasonably chaotic day,” he stated.

“So I’m going to go from right here and concentrate on getting some relaxation and restoration and preparing for the grind the previous couple of days and we’ll see how the leaderboard shakes out.”

Scheffler additionally supplied his condolences to the household of the pedestrian who had died within the incident.