No morning was crazier than Friday, May 17, 2024, when Louisville Metro Police arrested and detained Scottie Scheffler outside Valhalla Golf Club.
The incident stemmed from a misunderstanding of traffic flow, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, who documented the events as this scene unfolded. Earlier that morning, a shuttle bus fatally struck a pedestrian outside of the golf course, leading police to stop traffic. It was also early in the morning, and since showers had descended upon the region, visibility was low while confusion and disarray soared. Thus, Scheffler, driving a PGA Championship player courtesy car, attempted to maneuver around the traffic, but Louisville Metro Police Officer Bryan Gillis told Scheffler to stop.
Gillis then instructed Scheffler to leave the vehicle. The officer then placed the top-ranked player in the world in handcuffs and led him away.
The World No. 1, the reigning Masters champion, and the man who had won four events by that point in 2024 now sat in the back of a police car, hoping to be released so he could make it back for his second round. He eventually did, going from a jail cell to shooting a splendid 5-under 66 under the most stressful circumstances. A week later, the police dropped the charges, but the incident will forever be remembered by golf fans everywhere.
And luckily for golf fans, Netflix captured it all for its “Full Swing” series. Season Three premieres on Feb. 25, but before it hits everyone’s screens, the platform released a trailer that detailed Scheffler’s arrest:
When looking back at the 2024 PGA Championship, Scheffler’s arrest will be remembered more than Xander Schauffele winning his first major title. For Netflix to feature it in its trailer for the premiere proves it was undoubtedly the most diabolical moment of the 2024 golf season.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Follow him on X @jack_milko.
