How Scottie Scheffler Can Miss His Tee Time and Still Play the PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler’s arrest outside of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club this morning was not the headline we expected to write. His tee time is set for just after 10 a.m. on Friday, but he is not expected to make it.

However, the United States Golf Association’s Rules of Golf could provide an exemption to Scheffler, and he could still tee off without penalty.

Scottie Scheffler being detained by police this morning (via Jeff Darlington):

pic.twitter.com/nppgJoihmw

— Golficity (@Golficity) May 17, 2024

The USGA’s Rules of Golf, section 5.3a would provide an exemption to Scheffler if the committee decides he is prone to “exceptional circumstances.”

The rule reads:

“Exception 3 – Committee Decides that Exceptional Circumstances Prevented You from Starting on Time: There is no breach of this Rule and no penalty.”

There are two other exceptions to the rule:

• “Exception 1 – You Arrive at Starting Point, Ready to Play, No More Than Five Minutes Late: The general penalty is applied to your first hole.
• Exception 2 – You Start No More Than Five Minutes Early: The general penalty is applied to your first hole.”

Scheffler was arrested and booked this morning by the Louisville Metro Police Department, and was charged with 2nd Degree Assault of a Police Officer, 3rd Degree Criminal Mischief, Reckless Driving, and Disregarding Signals from Officers Directing Traffic.

Cover Image via Fox News