Kentucky's LOUISVILLE (AP) — Before the sun rose, Scottie Scheffler was in the back of a police cruiser, handcuffed. He started his warm-up ritual in a prison cell. And on Friday at the PGA Championship, Scheffler surprisingly registered for a 5-under 66 and was in the thick of things, only six hours later.
In an attempt to overcome darkness, Xander Schauffele was not backing down following his record-breaking start of 62. For a 68, he had to be content with pars on his final seven holes. At 12-under 130, he was one stroke ahead of Collin Morikawa, who ended with a bogey for a 65 after making five straight birdies down the stretch. Tiger Woods missed the cut after making two triple bogeys.
"I still feel like my head is spinning a little bit but I was fortunate to be able to make it back out and play some golf," Scheffler stated. "I've kept myself in the tournament now with a pretty chaotic day."
After being charged with felony assault on a police officer, criminal mischief, careless driving, and disobeying a traffic officer's signals, Scheffler, 27, was let go.
Scheffler declared, "My situation will get handled." "I can't comment on any of the specifics, but it was just a huge misunderstanding that will get resolved I think fairly quickly."
In addition to three additional counts, Scheffler was detained and taken into custody for second-degree criminal assault. The Masters green jacket champion appeared in orange prison attire for a mug picture. He could see the ESPN footage of his arrest from the holding cell.
"Yes, I did stretch for a while in a detention cell. For me, that was a first, said Scheffler. "I started doing my warm-up while I was just waiting." I thought there was a possibility I may still be allowed to play here. I started my routine and made an effort to lower my heart rate as much as possible today.
Prior to his round, Scheffler released a statement saying, "I never intended to disregard any of the instructions."
As he made his way to the back nine, Schauffele had already passed Morikawa, who had scored an 11-under 131 after the morning session.
Along with Scheffler, who was at 133, were Thomas Detry (67) and Mark Hubbard, who in his final seven holes in a round of 68 had three bogeys and three birdies.
Hubbard gained some notoriety early on Friday when he posted something on X citing Scheffler's police record, which had a weight of 170 pounds.
Following his round, Hubbard remarked, "Scottie's bigger than me, there's no way he's 170." "I really should go to the gym and cut back on how much leftover mac and cheese I feed my kids."
"Scottie's arrest and all of that made me feel the worst, but like I mentioned before, I'm pleased he's doing OK and everything. Still, someone died this morning while we were out on the course. The majority of folks here, I venture, don't even know that occurred.
Austin Eckroat, who took home the Cognizant Classic earlier this year as his first PGA Tour victory, exited his vehicle in traffic and continued on foot. His wife went to get the car and came back later. At 8-under 134, he tied for the group lead after producing another 67.
After winning the Players and Bay Hill in March, losing in a playoff at the Houston Open, and then taking home the Masters and Heritage last month, Scheffler has now won four of his last five starts.
On 133 with Scheffler, American Mark Hubbard was astounded with his performance.
"I saw as everybody did the mug shot and the police report," Hubbard stated. "Unbelievable that he gets arrested and then goes out and shoots 66."
In an attempt to win his third major victory in as many weeks following his first fatherhood, Scheffler was the feel-good story of the week at Valhalla. Bennett, his kid, was born nine days ago to Meredith, his wife.
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