PGA Championship 2024: Xander Schauffele leads after Scottie Scheffler plays on despite arrest
Xander Schauffele maintained a slender lead at the halfway stage of the PGA Championship after a day dominated by the chaotic arrest of Scottie Scheffler in the early hours of Friday morning at Valhalla.
The American had been attempting to make his way to the course ahead of the start of the second round, but was stopped by police over what he later called “a big misunderstanding”.
Scheffler was placed in handcuffs and arrested, before being charged by the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections, with the second round pushed back by an hour and 20 minutes due to the fatal accident.
The 27-year-old was later released by police and produced a sparkling five-under-par 66 to remain in contention for his second major in as many months. The World No.1 sits three shots back of Schauffele who fired a three-under 69 to set the clubhouse lead at -12.
Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa and fellow American Sahith Theegala sit in contention at -11 and -10 respectively but Rory McIlroy’s bid to end his decade-long major drought stuttered after a disappointing even-par round.
Relive all the action from the second round of the PGA Championship below:
PGA Championship 2024
Xander Schauffele holds one-shot lead over Collin Morikawa after dramatic second round
Scheffler shoots five-under 66 having been arrested in the morning at Valhalla Golf Club entrance
World No 1 still faces four charges, including ‘second-degree assault of a police officer’
PGA of America confirms death of pedestrian after collision with shuttle bus outside Valhalla
Tiger Woods misses cut after shooting costly second-round 77 to finish on +7
Leaderboard: -12: Schauffele (68)
-11: Morikawa (65); -10: Theegala (67)
-9: Scheffler (66), Detry (67), Hubbard (68), DeChambeau (65)
Selected others: -5: McIlroy (71); +7 Woods (77)
Scheffler’s prompt release from jail rankles some who recall city’s police turmoil
07:30 , Ben Fleming
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler’s arrest and prompt release from a Louisville jail Friday that let him play in a high-profile tournament after being booked on charges including felony assault has rankled some who question whether he was given preferential treatment because of his fame.
They recall what they consider malfeasance by the Louisville police department, which a national report last year found has used excessive force and invalid search warrants, and wonder why Scheffler was released so quickly.
Police are continuing their investigation, but here’s a look at the incident and policing in Louisville:
Golfer's prompt release from jail rankles some who recall city's police turmoil
Scottie Scheffler" ‘stretching in a jail cell was a first’ after arrest at PGA Championship
06:30 , Ben Fleming
Golf pro Scottie Scheffler says that “stretching in a jail cell was a first” for him, after being arrested the morning before returning to play in the PGA Championship.
The world number one said at a press conference that his head was “still spinning” from the day’s events and that he had “never imagined going to jail,” least of all before a tee time.
Read the full story here:
Scottie Scheffler says he stretched in a jail cell after arrest at PGA Championship
Watch: Scottie Scheffler pleads for help after being detained by police
05:30 , Ben Fleming
Scottie Scheffler isn't the first pro golfer to be arrested during a tournament
04:30 , Ben Fleming
Scottie Scheffler‘s arrest hours before his second-round tee time at the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, will go down as one of the most shocking in professional golf history. It certainly wasn’t the first, though.
Tiger Woods and John Daly are probably the highest-profile golfers to wear handcuffs, but Scheffler’s arrest is very different because it happened while he was competing in a tournament — a major championship, no less.
Woods was arrested in 2017 on suspicion of driving under the influence when he was found asleep in the driver’s seat of his Mercedes-Benz while he was recovering from back surgery. Daly was taken into custody in North Carolina in October 2008 after he was found drunk outside a Hooters restaurant and held until he could get sober.
At least five other pro golfers — Robert Allenby, Steven Bowditch, Matt Every, Joe Ogilvie and Jack McGurn — have been arrested either during or around a tournament.
Read more below.
Scottie Scheffler isn't the first pro golfer to be arrested during a tournament
Who is Scottie Scheffler, the golfer charged with assault outside tournament?
03:30 , Ben Fleming
Golfer Scottie Scheffler made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he was arrested and charged with felony assault on a police officer on Friday.
Scheffler, 27, allegedly refused to stop for police outside Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky on his way to the second round of the PGA Championship.
Here’s a look back on his career:
Who is Scottie Scheffler, the golfer charged with assault outside tournament?
Scottie Scheffler: I was shaking in ‘shock and fear’ after arrest at US PGA
02:30 , Ben Fleming
Scottie Scheffler has spoken of his shock, confusion and fear after being arrested on his way to the US PGA Championship on a surreal and tragic Friday morning.
Scheffler was detained by Louisville Metro Police after trying to drive into the golf club in heavy traffic caused by an earlier unrelated accident in which a pedestrian died after being struck by a shuttle bus.
Tournament officials said they were “devastated” by the death of local man John Mills, who was working for an on-site vendor at Valhalla.
Scheffler, the world number one, faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.
Scottie Scheffler: I was shaking in ‘shock and fear’ after arrest at US PGA
Leaderboard
02:05 , Ben Fleming
-12: Schauffele
-11: Morikawa
-10: Theegala
-9: Scheffler, Detry, Hubbard, DeChambeau
-8: Hovland, Eckroat, Finau
-7: Koepka, MacIntyre, Matsuyama, Wallace, English
Play suspended
01:52 , Ben Fleming
Darkness has called a halt to the second-round action at the PGA Championship, meaning many will have to come back tomorrow morning to finish off their rounds.
DeChambeau, though, quickly wraps up his final hole with a par to get in the clubhouse at -9. A superb six-under-par 65 from the LIV Golfer who is not one to ignore this weekend.
Bogey-bogey finish for MacIntyre
01:46 , Ben Fleming
MacIntyre -7 (69)
A real kicker of a finish for the only Scot in the field as he finishes with two bogeys to drop out of the top ten. It’s a heavy-handed putt from a downhill lie which races past the hole and he’s unable to make the putt back up the slope to save par.
Still, a productive day and he’s still on course for a great finish heading into the weekend.
Theegala in contention
01:43 , Ben Fleming
Theegala -10 (67), Finau -8 (69)
A wild tee shot from Theegala thwarts his efforts of a closing birdie but it’s been a superb round from the American who is right in the thick of it. Finau, meanwhile, showcases some great short-game touch to enable him to finish with a birdie and move back up to -8.
A topsy-turvy round for him but don’t count him out just yet.
Koepka finishes with a birdie
01:39 , Ben Fleming
Koepka -7 (68)
A topsy-turvy round comes to and end with a birdie at the last for Koepka. It could have been so much better for the defending champion, but a slew of short missed putts means he has to settle for a three-under-par 68 which leaves him five shots off Schauffele at the top of the leaderboard.
Late bogey for MacIntyre
01:34 , Ben Fleming
MacIntyre -8 (17*)
The Scot is trying to hang on down this closing stretch but is making life difficult for himself. He’s wildly out of position on the seventh hole but somehow gets up and down from the thick rough to save his par.
He can’t prevent a dropped shot at the next hole, though, and he drops back to -8 as he heads him his last.
Hovland showing signs of life
01:24 , Ben Fleming
Hovland -8 (66)
A birdie at the last for Hovland and it’s an incredibly encouraging second-round display from the Norwegian who has vaulted himself into contention after such a disappointing start to the season.
Back-to-back bogeys for Koepka
01:13 , Ben Fleming
Koepka -6 (17)
The defending champions’ woes with the putter continue. A bogey on 16 is compounded by another on 17, the latter courtesy of a terrible short miss.
On another day, Koepka could have fired a six-under-par round and be right in the thick of it, but his putting has let him down big time. He’d love a birdie at the last.
Birdie finish for Rory
01:07 , Ben Fleming
McIlroy -5 (71)
Like Woods, McIlroy finishes with a birdie at the par-5 18th. It’s a nice ending to what has otherwise been a thoroughly frustrating day for the Northern Irishman.
A level-par 71 is fine, but in the contest of this PGA Championship, where the scores are low, it’s a massive backward step. He’ll likely start tomorrow seven shots back of the lead and in need of an incredible weekend display if he’s to end his major drought at Valhalla.
Woods ends with a birdie
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:59 , Ben Fleming
Woods +7 (77)
Not the week Tiger had in mind but the 15-time major champion at least gives the fans something to cheer about at the last, whisking up some short-game magic from the rough before knocking in a birdie putt at the last.
It’s a six-over-par 77 but the damage was done in the first few holes on Friday when the American went seven over par through his first four holes. Who knows what the future holds for him now, but the fans in Louisville certainly enjoyed seeing him out here this week.
Not happening for McIlroy as Wallace finishes strong
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:51 , Ben Fleming
McIlroy -4 (17), Wallace -7 (65)
Just like Schauffele, McIlroy has just not holed a putt in these closing stages. An eagle almost feels like a must at this par-5 18th if he’s to have any chance in this tournament heading into the weekend. Even then, it feels unlikely.
One person who has got himself into a great spot is England’s Matt Wallace who rounds off his round with a par on the ninth. A six-under-par 65 has him sitting pretty heading into the weekend.
Schauffele sets the clubhouse lead
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:45 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -12 (68), Thomas -6 (67), Aberg E (70)
The birdie putt passes Xander by and so has the latter part of that back nine. A three-under-par 68 has done him no disservice and he still currently holds a one-shot lead heading into Saturday, but he must surely recognise that he missed some big chances to extend his lead and take full control of this championship.
Thomas, meanwhile, settles for a par and a good round of 67 but he remains six shots back of Schauffele, while it’s a missed cut for Aberg after his runner-up at the Masters last month. He’s been nursing a knee injury that forced him to withdraw from last week’s Wells Fargo Championship so you have to suspect that played a part.
Trouble for Schauffele
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:39 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -12 (17)
Not the way the leader would have wanted to end his round, that is for sure. A wild second shot nestles down in the thick, greenside rough and Schauffele can only hack it out onto the green but, without spin, it races past the hole.
One last chance to salvage a birdie.
Koepka still hunting
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:37 , Ben Fleming
Koepka -8 (15)
Since the double bogey at the tenth, Koepka has found three birdies in his next five holes and is right back in the thick of it.
His latest comes on the 15th after a perfectly controlled wedge leaves him just over 11 feet, which he duly converts.
Bounce-back birdie for Finau
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:27 , Ben Fleming
Finau -8 (13)
A hearty response from the American, finding the bottom of the cup from around 25 feet to get a birdie back after that awful double bogey the hole prior.
Lip out for Schauffele
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:24 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -12 (17)
The leader just can’t buy a putt at the minute! A superb approach into his penultimate hole affords him a great look at birdie again but this one lips out on the right side. A slight look of frustration etches itself across his face - he’s missed an opportunity over the last hour to really stamp his authority on this tournament.
Steady from Schauffele
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:11 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -12 (16)
It’s solid stuff again from Schauffele who two-putts an outside look at birdie for another par - his fifth in a row. It’s not been exhilarating but he’s maintained his hold on this tournament with two holes to play in his second round.
Birdie for Theegala; Finau falls back
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:08 , Ben Fleming
Theegala -10 (12), Finau -7 (12)
The difficult 12th claims a victim in the form of Finau who inexplicably three-putts from close range after a poor chip to leave himself walking off the green with a double-bogey six. A nightmare for the American.
His playing partner Theegala, meanwhile, has a far better time of it and gets back to -10 after that dropped shot at the tenth. He’s not going away.
Finau with a beauty
Saturday 18 May 2024 00:01 , Ben Fleming
Finau -9 (11)
The perfect tee shot into the par-3 11th and the American has no problem tapping that in for a birdie to move into the log jam at -9.
Bryson sneaking into contention
Friday 17 May 2024 23:54 , Ben Fleming
DeChambeau -8 (10)
We’ve not mentioned Bryson plenty today, but he’s making surged through the field and is now comfortably into the top ten after he takes apart the par-5 10th, which many before him have failed to do in the last hour or so.
Can he grab a couple more in the closing stages?
MacIntyre moves alongside Scheffler
Friday 17 May 2024 23:51 , Ben Fleming
MacIntyre -9 (13*)
Many of the big names are out on the back nine today but the Scot, who started on the back nine, is quietly going about his business on the front nine late on Friday.
And now he’s up into a tie for third as he pours in another birdie on the fourth to move to -9 for the tournament. Impressive work.
Dropped shots for Theegala and Hovland
Friday 17 May 2024 23:45 , Ben Fleming
Theegala -9 (10), Hovland -7 (12)
Two unforced errors from this duo as they both drop shots in their respective back nines. Theegala is wild off the tee and when a punch out onto the fairway is miscued, he’s only in further trouble.
A bogey six in the end for him.
Hovland, meanwhile, flies a wedge long of the 12th green and can’t get up and down to save his par.
Great response from Koepka
Friday 17 May 2024 23:41 , Ben Fleming
Koepka -6 (11)
The defending champion made a costly double-bogey seven at the par-5 10th but has responded emphatically, with a majestic tee shot into the par-3 11th setting up a tap-in birdie to get him back to -6 for the tournament.
Schauffele misses out again
Friday 17 May 2024 23:33 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -12 (14), Thomas -5 (14), Aberg +1 (14)
The one criticism often levelled at Schauffele is his ability to seal the deal in the biggest events. He leads right now but the American sure has missed out on some great opportunities to extend that lead in recent holes.
Another great one passes him by on the 14th hole and his lead remains just one. Thomas remains at -5, while Aberg is still looking for birdies to try and get inside that projected cut, which currently sits at -1.
Double bogey for McIlroy
Friday 17 May 2024 23:31 , Ben Fleming
McIlroy -4 (12)
A dagger to Rory’s hopes of a run at this year’s PGA Championship He’s been stuck in neutral for the past hour or so and now he’s taken a huge, backwards step after a short-game nightmare leads to a double-bogey six on the 12th hole.
He’s now eight shots back of the lead and in need of a huge finish today to keep his hopes alive.
Hovland looking happy
Friday 17 May 2024 23:23 , Ben Fleming
Hovland -8 (11)
And why wouldn’t he be? Four birdies in the last six holes - including back-to-back birdies at 10 and 11- have him in a tie for seventh at -8.
A simply remarkable turnaround of form for the Norwegian who looked despondent with his form heading into the tournament.
Sahith into solo third
Friday 17 May 2024 23:19 , Ben Fleming
Theegala -10 (9), Finau -8 (9)
Birdies aplenty for Sahith in this second round as he rolls a putt superbly down the slope and right into the heart of the cup. A bogey-free 31 for his front nine today moves him into solo third and just two shots off the lead. Superb stuff.
Finau, playing alongside him, misses out and remains at -8.
Koepka making a move
Friday 17 May 2024 23:11 , Ben Fleming
Koepka -7 (9)
Two birdies in three holes for the defending champion, who has quietly snuck up into the top ten. He’s got the par-5 10th to come, too so that could improve yet still.
Birdie for MacIntyre
Friday 17 May 2024 23:09 , Ben Fleming
MacIntyre -8 (10*)
The perfect start to the back nine for the Scot as he finds his fourth birdie of the day to move to -8 for the tournament. He’s just four shots off the lead now.
Huge miss for McIlroy
Friday 17 May 2024 23:02 , Ben Fleming
McIlroy -6 (10)
Oh, Rory. That one really could have done with dropping. The Northern Irishman punches out well with his second at the par-5 10th and gives himself a great look at birdie after his wedge in, but his effort from just over seven feet drifts past the cup.
A big chance goes begging there.
Back-to-back birdies for Wallace
Friday 17 May 2024 22:59 , Ben Fleming
Wallace -6 (13*)
The Englishman is sneaking under the radar right now and a second successive birdie - his fifth for the day - means he has shot up to within touching distance of the top ten. Impressive stuff.
Theegala continues to impress
Friday 17 May 2024 22:53 , Ben Fleming
Theegala -9 (7)
It’s been a breakthrough few months for Theegala after his first PGA Tour win late last year and the American has now clearly got his sights set on contending in a major championship.
A bogey-free day so far and his third birdie of the round sees him move into a tie for third at -9.
Schauffele makes bogey; Aberg back to even par
Friday 17 May 2024 22:48 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -12 (11), Thomas -5 (11), Aberg E (11)
A delicious approach into the par-3 11th from the Swede as he notches up another birdie. The projected cut now sits at -1 so he has more work to do.
It’s not the same outcome for our leader, though, who gets lucky with his leaked tee shots which stays on the fringe but an uncharacteristic three-putt sees him card his first bogey of the week and drop back to -12.
Great par save from McIlroy
Friday 17 May 2024 22:43 , Ben Fleming
McIlroy -6 (9)
Massive, massive putt from Rory. That ninth hole has claimed a number of victims today and it almost did for the Northern Irishman but he saves par superbly after a poor chip with a 25-foot putt.
A huge confidence booster heading into the back nine.
Koepka moving through the field
Friday 17 May 2024 22:39 , Ben Fleming
Koepka -6 (7)
The defending champion fancies the fight at Valhalla and makes no mistake at the par-5 seventh to move to -6. He’s had so many chances already this afternoon and will have plenty more if he keeps playing like this.
Schauffele extends lead
Friday 17 May 2024 22:36 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -13 (10), Thomas -5 (10), Aberg +1 (10)
The American is on the charge again, recovering from an uncharacteristically wild iron shot to set up a birdie effort after a superb wedge from the trampled-down rough.
Another birdie for the World No.3 and he extends his lead to two at the top. He looks in full control out there.
Thomas and Aberg, meanwhile, miss out on birdies at the par-5. The Swede, in particular, may need to find some birdies sooner rather than later if he’s to make the weekend’s action.
Encouraging run from Hovland
Friday 17 May 2024 22:26 , Ben Fleming
Hovland -6 (7)
A bogey followed from that hole-out eagle on the fourth, but the Norwegian has responded in superb style, finding birdies at both the sixth and par-5 seventh to move just outside the top ten on -6.
McIlroy misses out
Friday 17 May 2024 22:23 , Ben Fleming
McIlroy -6 (8)
A good chance for back-to-back birdies for McIlroy at the par-3 eighth but the effort just passes him by. A somewhat frustrated response from the Northern Irishman and you can perhaps understand why.
Six under through 26 holes of a major championship is very solid and yet he’s six shots back of the lead. It feels like a realistic target would be to get up to that group at -9 with Scheffler by the end of the day.
Scheffler still hanging around
Friday 17 May 2024 22:18 , Ben Fleming
If I’d had the day Scottie Scheffler has had, I’d probably be in bed by now. But, then again, I’m not a two-time major champion.
The World No.1 has remained on site after the round to get some practice in and even made time to sign some autographs for some young fans. A true role model.
Schauffele hits the front
Friday 17 May 2024 22:13 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -12 (9), Thomas -5 (9), Aberg +1 (9)
Morikawa briefly took the lead from him but Schauffele is back on top as he finds another birdie on the par-4 ninth. A stress-free back nine for the American who looks brimming with confidence.
Thomas leaves his birdie effort short and has to settle for par, as does Aberg.
Birdie for MacIntyre
Friday 17 May 2024 22:08 , Ben Fleming
MacIntyre -7 (7*)
The Scotsman said he was starting to feel at home on the PGA Tour after returning home to visit his family. A good display at the Myrtle Beach Classic has given him momentum this week and he’s flying at Valhalla, pouring in his third birdie of the day to get up to -7 for the tournament.
DeCheambeau in the mood
Friday 17 May 2024 22:04 , Ben Fleming
DeChambeau -6 (5)
Three in a row for the man they call the ‘mad scientist’. He certainly plays the game differently than most but it’s working for the former US Open champion who finds his third birdie in as many holes to move into a tie for 10th on -6.
Back-to-back birdies for Woods
Friday 17 May 2024 22:01 , Ben Fleming
Woods +6 (8)
Well, well, well. You can just never count him out. Tiger rolls one in on the seventh before almost producing a stupendous ace at the next hole, the par-3 eighth.
It’s a simple tap-in for a second successive birdie and that gets him back to +6. Still a hell of a long way to go to make the cut.
Birdie for Aberg
Friday 17 May 2024 21:57 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -11 (8), Thomas -5 (8), Aberg +1 (8)
It’s been a quiet week for the Swede, who is nursing a knee injury, having finished runner-up in his major debut at last month’s Masters. Still, a birdie at the eighth increases his chances of making the weekend.
Thomas and Schauffele settle for pars as this trio nears the turn.
Scottie Scheffler: I was shaking in ‘shock and fear’ after arrest at US PGA
Friday 17 May 2024 21:55 , Ben Fleming
Scottie Scheffler has spoken of his shock, confusion and fear after being arrested on his way to the US PGA Championship on a surreal and tragic Friday morning.
Scheffler was detained by Louisville Metro Police after trying to drive into the golf club in heavy traffic caused by an earlier unrelated accident in which a pedestrian died after being struck by a shuttle bus.
Tournament officials said they were “devastated” by the death of local man John Mills, who was working for an on-site vendor at Valhalla.
Scheffler, the world number one, faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.
Scottie Scheffler: I was shaking in ‘shock and fear’ after arrest at US PGA
Bogey for McIlroy
Friday 17 May 2024 21:46 , Ben Fleming
McIlroy -5 (6)
Rory, meanwhile, takes a backwards step at the wrong time after he’s out of position off the tee. He can’t get up down from the greenside fairway to save his par and he drops back to -5 where he started the day.
Schauffele ties lead
Friday 17 May 2024 21:44 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -11 (7), Thomas -5 (7)
Unflappable golf from Schauffele so far who has made no bogeys and finds his second birdie at the seventh to move back into the lead alongside Morikawa.
His playing partner Thomas finds another birdie, too, to give the home fans something to cheer about. The 2022 PGA Champion is up to -5.
Fast start for Finau
Friday 17 May 2024 21:29 , Ben Fleming
Finau -8 (3), Theegala -7 (3)
Both playing together, both playing well. Two birdies in the opening two for Finau to reach -8, while Theegala knocks in one at the third to get himself up and running for the day.
Both of these two will want to go on a charge and get up and around Morikawa.
Hubbard ends with a flourish
Friday 17 May 2024 21:24 , Ben Fleming
Hubbard -9 (68)
He’s not the most notable name on the leaderboard but Hubbard will be right in the thick of it tomorrow. A birdie finish for the American who signs off for a three-under-par round of 68 to reach -9 for the tournament.
Hovland holes out!
Friday 17 May 2024 21:18 , Ben Fleming
Hovland -5 (4)
The Norwegian has been fighting tooth and nail to get back to his best after a flat start to the season.
Having reunited with former coach Joe Mayo earlier in the week, it looks light and day and he’s surging up the leaderboard now after holing out from the fairway for an eagle on the fourth.
He can’t believe it.
Brooks bounces back
Friday 17 May 2024 21:13 , Ben Fleming
Koepka -5 (3)
The defending champion was out of position on the first but he’s bounced back in style, birdieing the second before pouring one in on the third to move up to -5 for the tournament.
More woes for Woods
Friday 17 May 2024 21:11 , Ben Fleming
Woods +8 (4)
Well, it looked unlikely for Tiger but now, his hopes of making the cut are virtually nil.
More short-game woes - often his strength - means that Woods walks off the fourth hole with his second triply bogey in three holes. He’s now eight shots off the projected cut line.
Back to the golf
Friday 17 May 2024 21:08 , Ben Fleming
Right, with Scheffler’s press conference concluded, let’s get back to the on-course action.
More from Scheffler
Friday 17 May 2024 21:04 , Ben Fleming
“I was just so confused at what was happening at the time. I didn’t know what time it was. I didn’t know what was going on. When I was sitting in the holding cell, there was a TV there and I could see myself on the TV on ESPN.
“Get Up was on, so in the corner it showed the time and it said they were delayed, and I was kind of thinking about my tee time, I was like, well, maybe I could be able to get out. The officers downstairs, they were discussing how long it was going to take me to get released.
“Obviously, we have to go through all the due process and everything. I was able to kind of see a bit of the TV, and then I laid down and then I started to stretch a little bit once I got my heart rate down a little bit. I didn’t really feel like I would make my tee time until one of the officers at the jail came by my holding cell and knocked on the window and said, ‘Let’s go.’
“As far as best rounds of my career, I would say it was pretty good. I definitely never imagined ever going to jail, and I definitely never imagined going to jail the morning before one of my tee times for sure. But yeah, like I said, I was grateful to be able to go out there and compete, and yeah, it was definitely a nice round of golf. I’m glad to be out here competing, doing what I love.”
More from Scheffler
Friday 17 May 2024 20:59 , Ben Fleming
On the arrest: “It was just a huge misunderstanding this morning. That’ll get resolved I think fairly quickly. I came here for a golf tournament. I was driving in this morning, trying to get to my warmup time and get ready for the round of golf. I didn’t really have an understanding of what had transpired this morning.
“I was pretty rattled to say the least. The officer that took me to the jail was very kind. He was great. We had a nice chat in the car, that kind of helped calm me down. I was sitting there waiting to kind of go in and I asked him, I was like, ‘Hey, excuse me, can you just come hang out with me for a few minutes so I can calm down?’
“I was never angry. I was just in shock, and I think my body was just shaking the whole time. I was shaking for like an hour. It was definitely a new feeling for me. He came out and we had a nice chat and then the officers inside the jail were tremendous.
“A couple of them made some jokes when they figured out who I was, what happened and how I ended up there. This one older officer looked at me as I was doing my fingerprints, and he looks at me and he goes, ‘So do you want the full experience today?’
“I kind of looked at him, and I was like, I don’t know how to answer that. He’s like, Come on, man, you want a sandwich? I was like, Sure, I’ll take a sandwich. I hadn’t eaten breakfast yet. I mean, they were really kind. I’m grateful that we have such strong police, and they’re our protectors out there, and like I said, we just got into a chaotic situation this morning. That’s really all it was.”
More from Scheffler
Friday 17 May 2024 20:56 , Ben Fleming
“I feel like my head is still spinning. I can’t really explain what happened this morning. I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell. That was a first for me. That was part of my warmup.
“I was just sitting there waiting and I started going through my warmup, I felt like there was a chance I may be able to still come out here and play.
“I started going through my routine and I tried to get my heart rate down as much as I could today, but like I said, 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 today.”
Scheffler speaks to the media
Friday 17 May 2024 20:53 , Ben Fleming
More to come from Scheffler but here’s his initial remarks to the media following his round today:
Rahm facing an anxious wait
Friday 17 May 2024 20:48 , Ben Fleming
Rahm E (72)
The Spaniard finished up a bit ago but the Spaniard has a nervy wait on his hands to see if he has made the cut. A second-round 72 has him largely out of contention but he may not even be around for the weekend if the scoring is good in the afternoon wave.
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is another one sitting on level par after today’s round.
Wheels falling off for Woods
Friday 17 May 2024 20:41 , Ben Fleming
Woods +5 (3)
Things just got very difficult for the four-time PGA Champion.
A short-game nightmare on the second leads to a triple bogey on the second and the American compounds that the very next hole, racing his birdie effort past the hole and missing the come-backer for par.
He’s dropped like a stone to +5 and now has a mountain to climb to make the cut.
Schauffele up and running
Friday 17 May 2024 20:38 , Ben Fleming
Schauffele -10 (3), Thomas -3 (3)
All the action from this morning may have led people to forget about the brilliance on display from Xander Schauffele in the first round.
In case you needed any reminding, the American rolls in his first birdie to get within one of Morikawa, while his playing partner Thomas makes it back-to-back birdies to get up to -3.
Scheffler finishes up
Friday 17 May 2024 20:35 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -9 (66), Clark +4 (75), Harman -2 (68)
When placed in the context of this morning’s events, that will be right up there with the best rounds of golf Scheffler has ever played. Many might not have returned to the course, but Scheffler did and a finishing par at the last sees him card a second-round 66 to stay right in the thick of the action heading into the week.
Simply astonishing.
Meanwhile, Harman responds well from his opening round to make the cut after a Friday 68 but there will be no third round for US Open Wyndham Clark who is struggling for form of late and finishes at +4 for the tournament.
Hubbard drops another
Friday 17 May 2024 20:25 , Ben Fleming
Hubbard -8 (15*)
Hubbard got up and around the lead at one point but he’s dropping back in these closing holes. A par putt comes up short and he’s back to -8 now.
Monster birdie for McIlroy
Friday 17 May 2024 20:20 , Ben Fleming
McIlroy -6 (1)
Well, that’s a pretty decent way to start! Not his best approach into the first green but the Northern Irishman pours it in the middle of the cup to get himself a birdie on the first.
Woods and McIlroy underway
Friday 17 May 2024 20:14 , Ben Fleming
The two big stars are out on the course now as the afternoon wave makes its way out onto Valhalla. They’ll all be hoping for a rain-less afternoon to help them catch up with Morikawa at the top of the board.
Closing bogey for Morikawa
Friday 17 May 2024 20:12 , Ben Fleming
Morikawa -11 (65)
Not the way that he would have wanted to end his round. Like Kim, the American leaves his chip short and has a lengthy putt to save his par but it doesn’t drop.
Still, a superb second-round 65 that has catapulted him into the lead as he goes in search of his third major.
Scheffler has another
Friday 17 May 2024 20:09 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -9 (16*), Clark +3 (16*), Harman -2 (16*)
When the chipping lets him down, even the putting picks up. The American’s second into the par-5 leaves him with work to do and his follow-up chip isn’t the greatest.
Nevermind, though, as the World No.1 pours in the birdie putt from around 19 feet to get up to nine under par and ever closer to the lead.
A birdie, too, for Harman but it’s a hugely costly double bogey for Clark who now looks set to miss the cut.
Detry finishes with a bang
Friday 17 May 2024 20:01 , Ben Fleming
Detry -9 (67)
Differing fortunes for Detry, meanwhile, who finishes with the bang at his last - the par-5 18th - as he rolls in an eagle putt to shoot up the leaderboard after carding a final-round 67.
He’ll be right in the thick of it tomorrow, that is for sure.
Closing double bogey for Kim
Friday 17 May 2024 19:59 , Ben Fleming
Kim -5 (71)
Not the end Tom Kim would have hoped for in the slightest. His wedge into the ninth green from the fairway comes up short and the South Korean’s follow-up chip doesn’t stay up on the green.
It’s not a great second attempt and he’s then forced to tap in for a double bogey after his bogey putt whistles by. A round of 71 but he’ll be seething by how it ended.
Statement from Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
Friday 17 May 2024 19:54 , Ben Fleming
Five in a row for Morikawa
Friday 17 May 2024 19:45 , Ben Fleming
Morikawa -12 (17*)
Goodness grief, the American is putting on some show right now. A delightful iron into the par-3 8th leaves him with little more than a kick-in for his fifth straight birdie.
He’s now up to -12 and three clear of overnight leader Xander Schauffele who has just got underway for his second round alongside Ludvig Aberg and local lad Justin Thomas.
Hubbard into solo second
Friday 17 May 2024 19:39 , Ben Fleming
Hubbard -10 (13*)
The heavy rain forecast doesn’t appear to have materialised yet and those out there now are making the most of it. Hubbard finds another birdie on the 13th - his second in as many holes - and he’s now up into solo second and one back of Morikawa.
Morikawa extends his lead
Friday 17 May 2024 19:36 , Ben Fleming
Morikawa -11 (16*)
The American is feeling it right now and this marvellous second round shows no signs of slowing down. A superb wedge into the par-5 seventh with just five feet for his fourth successive birdie.
And he makes no mistake. All of a sudden his lead over Schauffele is two. Can he grab any more coming in?
Bounce back from Hubbard
Friday 17 May 2024 19:28 , Ben Fleming
Hubbard -9 (12*)
Impressive response from the American, rolling in a birdie at the par-3 12th to get back to -9 after a bogey the hole prior.
He doesn’t appear to be going anywhere right now.
Great save from Scheffler
Friday 17 May 2024 19:19 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -8 (14*), Clark E (14*), Harman -2 (14*)
Well, how wrong was I? A difficult chip shot from the rough for Scheffler? He damn nearly holes it!
Remarkable from the American who remains at -8. Harman and Clark make their pars, too.
We have a new leader
Friday 17 May 2024 19:11 , Ben Fleming
Morikawa -10 (15*)
Make that three in a row for the American who marches into a solo lead as he drains a 33-footer on the sixth. The first time in more than in more than 20 hours that we have a new name atop the leaderboard.
Hubbard drops back
Friday 17 May 2024 19:09 , Ben Fleming
Meanwhile, a few holes back it’s Hubbard with a chance to save his par... no, just drifts by.
He drops back to -8 alongside Scheffler but he’ll one suspects he’ll be more than happy to stay there by the end of the day.
Trouble for Scheffler
Friday 17 May 2024 19:07 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -8 (13*), Clark E (13*), Harman -2 (13*)
Oh, has the World No.1 been caught with his hand in the cookie jar? It’s an aggressive line into the 14th green and his ball doesn’t come back in from the right.
It nestles down in the thick greenside rough to the left of the green and that will take something mighty impressive to get close from there.
Backwards steps for Kim and Rahm
Friday 17 May 2024 19:00 , Ben Fleming
Kim -6 (15*), Rahm +1 (4*)
Differing situations for both players but a pair of bogeys all the same. Kim’s par save comes up just short and he drops back to -6, while Rahm is now over par for the tournament and in serious danger of missing the cut.
The Spaniard needs at least one birdie in his final five holes or he’ll be heading home tonight.
Scheffler within one
Friday 17 May 2024 18:59 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -8 (13*), Clark E (13*), Harman -2 (13*)
Another gorgeous wedge into the green from Scheffler who leaves himself just 3 feet for his second birdie in four holes on this front nine. He makes no mistake and the World No.1 - after all that drama - is within one shot of the lead. Absurd.
Harman makes a par but there’s a vital birdie for Clark as he battles to make the cut.
Latest PGA of America statement
Friday 17 May 2024 18:54 , Ben Fleming
It’s been a far from usual day at the PGA Championship, which began with the tragic death of a civilian after a collision with a shuttle bus outside the course at Valhalla.
The victim has now been named as John Mills, while the PGA of America say they are cooperating with local authorities as the fallout from Scheffler’s arrest continues.
A statement released moments ago said: “Our primary concern today remains with the family of John Mills, who lost his life in a tragic accident early this morning while reporting to work.
“As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place. While the legal process plays out, questions should be directed to Scheffler’s attorney or local authorities.”
Three-way lead at the top
Friday 17 May 2024 18:51 , Ben Fleming
Morikawa -9 (14*)
It’s the American who joins Schauffele and Hubbard at the top, pouring in his birdie effort from 16 feet to get up to -9 for the tournament.
It’s getting awfully crowded at the top.
Sandy save from Scheffler
Friday 17 May 2024 18:43 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -7 (12*), Clark +1 (12*), Harman -2 (12*)
The rain has clearly made the bunker sand that bit heavier and Scheffler finds that out for himself first hand as his bunker shot comes up a bit short on the par-3 12th.
He’s got around eight feet to save his par... and does so superbly! The ball just catches the right lip on this occasion and drops generously into the cup. A great save to remain at -7.
Harman, though, can’t do the same and drops back to -2.
Hubbard joins the lead
Friday 17 May 2024 18:32 , Ben Fleming
Hubbard -9 (9*)
The American almost pulled level with Schauffele last hole but he makes no mistake at the par-5 18th. A great wedge in and he rolls it in superbly to get to -9.
He makes the turn now for his second nine - how low can he go before Schauffele gets underway.
Scheffler within two
Friday 17 May 2024 18:29 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -7 (11*), Clark +1 (11*), Harman -3 (11*)
Words simply fail. Another perfect iron approach and a fourth birdie of the day for Scheffler who is now just two shots back of Schauffele at the top of the board.
He’s lapping up the support from the crowd today and making the most of it.
Pars for Harman and Clark.
Morikawa within one
Friday 17 May 2024 18:24 , Ben Fleming
Morikawa -8 (13*)
The American is searching for his second PGA Championship and is going about it the right way as he finds another birdie after a superb approach into the par-4 fourth.
Another birdie for his round, which has yet to produce a blemish either, and he is alongside fellow countryman Hubbard on -8 now.
Kim finds another
Friday 17 May 2024 18:17 , Ben Fleming
Kim -7 (13*)
A run of six straight pars comes to an end for the South Korean but it’s met with a birdie - his third of the day - to move him up into a tie for third on -7. Kim finished runner-up at the Open last year and looks to be right at home in these big events despite his young age.
Lip out for Scheffler!
Friday 17 May 2024 18:13 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -6 (10*), Clark +1 (10*), Harman -3 (10*)
So close to another birdie for the World No.1 but his putt just catches the lip and refuses to drop. Still an easy-enough par for the American.
Harman also makes par but it’s a bogey for Clark who is struggling today and has a fight on his hands to make the cut.
Bogey for Noren
Friday 17 May 2024 18:08 , Ben Fleming
Noren -6 (14), Detry -7 (12)
A backwards move at just the wrong time for the Swede as he misses a short-ish putt to save his par on the 14th. He slips back to -6 and three of Schauffele.
Detry, meanwhile, replaces him in the group at -7 after a stellar approach from the Belgian leaves him with just three feet left to tap in for his birdie.
Close from Hubbard
Friday 17 May 2024 18:05 , Ben Fleming
Hubbard -8 (8*)
The American has been plugging away nicely since those two early birdies and almost joins Schauffele in a share of the lead. It’s a great long-range birdie effort but it just misses on the right side.
Still, an opportunity coming up at the par-5 18th.
Fans seeing the funny side
Friday 17 May 2024 17:59 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler’s dramatic arrest earlier today certainly has produced its fair share of creative shirts out at Valhalla today:
Crowded at the top
Friday 17 May 2024 17:55 , Ben Fleming
Eckroat -7 (10)
Austin Eckroat, who won for the first time on the PGA Tour earlier this year, joins the group at -7 as he pours in his fourth birdie in a row.
Meanwhile, the rain only appears to be getting stronger out there in Louisville which won’t be very pleasing for those heading out in the later wave.
Scheffler moves within three
Friday 17 May 2024 17:49 , Ben Fleming
Scheffler -6 (9*), Clark E (9*), Harman -3 (9*)
Remarkably steady golf from Scheffler, as we’ve become accustomed to, but no mean feat after morning he had. A great approach into the 18th allows him to knock in another birdie to get up to -6 for the tournament.
Harman and Clark follow suit, the Open Champion, in particular, is putting together a fine round.
This group started on the back nine so they’ll head to the first tee for their second nine holes.
Rahm back on the cut line
Friday 17 May 2024 17:38 , Ben Fleming
Rahm E (9*)
A double bogey on the eighth sinks the Spaniard back down the leaderboard and right on the projected cut line. With soft conditions, it may well be the case that the cut line moves up so Rahm could do with some birdies in the second nine here.
Raining birdies
Friday 17 May 2024 17:32 , Ben Fleming
English -7 (13*)
In an instant, there are three players tied for third at -7. Harris English, who hasn’t won since 2021, finds back-to-back birdies to get up to -7. He’s four under par for the day so far.
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