Scottie Scheffler's response to fans asking about his ‘boring’ arrest
While practicing for the Presidents Cup, Scottie Scheffler was surrounded by fans. The fans were talking back and forth with the world number one golfer, and a few of them asked him about jail. They heckled him a little bit with jokes but were surprised when Scheffler had a few laughs about it and joked about it himself.
Scheffler responded:
"Jail is kinda boring to be honest with you. I needed something to do... Yeah, I was alone... One of the guys in jail, the first guy, police officer, who knew who I was, he literally walked up to me in disbelief. 'What the heck did you do?' and I was like, 'I don't know.'"
Scheffler was arrested for a traffic violation in Louisville on the morning of the second round of the PGA Championship. He was trying to get into the venue to practice early and traffic was backed up after an accident.
The charges were ultimately dropped and Scheffler was out of jail and back on the golf course not long after his arrest. He shot five under par after being arrested and ended up finishing T8 overall despite the interruption.
He maintained his innocence throughout and prosecutors eventually decided to drop all charges and move on rather than try him in court. Now, Scheffler can look back on it and laugh with fans.
Scottie Scheffler called arrest 'severe miscommunication' after charges were dropped
For a while after the initial arrest, the prosecution appeared poised to continue charging Scottie Scheffler despite mounting evidence that it wasn't a case they would win. Eventually, they decided to drop the case and move on.
Scheffler said at the time via the PGA Tour:
“Earlier today, I was informed by my attorney, Steve Romines, that all charges were formally dismissed in regard to the incident outside Valhalla Golf Club on May 17. As I stated previously, this was an unfortunate misunderstanding. I hold no ill will toward Officer Gillis. I wish to put this incident behind me and move on, and I hope he will do the same. Police officers have a difficult job and I hold them in high regard."
He continued:
“This was a severe communication in a chaotic situation."
Scottie Scheffler had been in the throes of an impressive hot streak when he was arrested but he was unable to keep it going. He did eventually bounce back and ended up recording four wins (eight in total all year) after the arrest, including the Olympics and the Tour Championship.
Now, he's trying to earn victory for the United States team in the Presidents Cup. Thanks in part to his dominance, the USA is up 5-0 after one round of play.