Scottie Scheffler has been arrested. GETTY IMAGES

Golfer Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked as the world's number one, was reportedly detained and handcuffed by police after allegedly trying to bypass a traffic jam caused by a fatal accident near a golf course.

The start of the second round of the US PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky was postponed due to an incident in which a pedestrian was struck by a shuttle bus early on Friday and died.

Traffic congestion stretched approximately one mile in both directions along the sole road leading to the venue, with numerous police cars displaying flashing red-and-blue lights near the entrance. Scheffler was reportedly trying to drive past a police officer when he was pulled over.

According to ESPN, a misinterpretation of traffic directions resulted in Scheffler driving past police officers, who then followed Scheffler's car. This led to the golf star inadvertently obstructing their entrance to Valhalla. The police officer then shouted at Scheffler to exit the vehicle, which he did, before being placed against his car and subsequently detained. 

Sky Sports stated that Scheffler was released by Louisville Police after attempting to navigate around a traffic cordon while on his way to participate in the second round of the tournament.

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed the incident said, "Traffic had been backed up and building. "Scottie Scheffler tried to enter Valhalla Golf Club using a side median, at which point a police officer instructed him to stop.



"Scheffler attempted to continue to go, the police officer then attached himself to the side of Scheffler's car. Scheffler stopped the vehicle as he turned into Valhalla Golf Club at the entrance, about 10 to 20 yards from the point at which the police officer first told him to stop.

"At that point the police officer instructed Scheffler to get out of the car. He rolled down the window, the police officer grabbed his arm and started pulling at it. He reached inside, opened the car door, pulled Scheffler out, pushed him up against the car, immediately placed him in handcuffs."

Scheffler concluded his first round tied for 12th place with a score of four-under-par. As customary for players in a major championship, the world No. 1 arrived at Valhalla approximately three hours prior to his tee time. 

Players typically arrive early to enjoy breakfast, engage in workouts, and complete their warm-up routines before starting their round from the first tee. The 27-year-old, and his wife Meredith announced the birth of their first child, Bennett, on Monday, and had won four of his past five starts, including his second major championship at the Masters in April.