By Tod Leonard
May 17, 2024
LOUISVILLE — The PGA Championship took an unexpected and somber turn on Friday when a tragic pedestrian accident and the arrest of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler left players and fans stunned. Harris English, one of the early finishers, found himself answering questions about these shocking events rather than his performance on the course at Valhalla Golf Club.
The day’s disruptions began with a pedestrian being fatally struck by a bus near the entrance to Valhalla, leading to significant traffic delays. In a separate incident, Scheffler was arrested for allegedly trying to drive past a police officer blocking the entrance, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. These incidents led to delayed tee times and a palpable sense of confusion among players.
Reflecting on the events, English described the surreal atmosphere. “It was wild,” he said. “Seeing Scottie in handcuffs on ESPN was something I never thought I’d witness. The whole situation was just unreal.” English recounted arriving at Valhalla around 5 a.m. ET, just as the accident was being reported. Faced with roadblocks and heavy police presence, he opted for a detour, unlike Scheffler, who tried to navigate through the restricted area.
English emphasized the shared shock and empathy among the players. “It could have been any one of us,” he noted. “We’re all using the same routes to the club. It’s devastating to think someone lost their life on their way here. Our hearts go out to that family.”
The traffic standstill forced players to find alternative ways to reach the course. Notably, Will Zalatoris and Cameron Young were seen walking the final stretch to Valhalla. Austin Eckroat shared a similar experience, mentioning that he walked about a mile and a half after receiving a text about the delayed tee times. Despite the morning’s turmoil, Eckroat managed to shoot 67, placing him among the top competitors of the day.
The morning’s events cast a shadow over the tournament, turning what should have been a routine day of play into a memorable yet tragic occasion. As the story continues to develop, the golfing community remains in a state of shock and mourning, grappling with the impact of these unforeseen incidents on the prestigious event.