17 May 2024 , 16:48
434
0
LIV Golf star Lee Westwood could not resist a cheeky jibe at his PGA Tour rival Scottie Scheffler, after the world No. 1 was arrested prior to the second round of the PGA Championship on Friday.
Scheffler was put in handcuffs and taking to Louisville police station on Friday morning, having been apprehended by officers upon arrival at Valhalla Golf Club. The Masters champion is reported to have attempted to bypass traffic in order to gain entry following a fatal car accident earlier on.
A man who was set to work at the second major championship of the season was fatally hit by a bus at 5:00 a.m. local time, around one hour before Scheffler attempted to arrive on site.
READ MORE: Scottie Scheffler breaks silence after being arrested and charged with assaulting police officer
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy puts divorce to back of his mind with PGA Championship display
LIV Golf 2023 predictions including marquee signings and PGA Tour deadlock
The world No. 1 was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic before being released. He then quickly made his way back to the golf course before getting his second round underway.
LIV member Westwood is not competing at this week's U.S. PGA, but offered his thoughts from York racecourse in the aftermath of the incident. Asked by ITV Racing if he knew what was going on over in Kentucky, he sarcastically replied with a smile: "I have no idea.
"As long as I don't go home in handcuffs I will be happy," he added whilst laughing. Prior to his rushed tee time earlier on, Scheffler opted to take to social media to break his silence, issuing a statement on Instagram. “This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers," he wrote.
"It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.
“Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective.” Play was delayed by 80 minutes on Friday following the fatal incident.
A PGA of America spokesman said: "This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones."