PGA Championship 2024: Xander Schauffele leads after Scottie Scheffler plays on despite arrest
The Masters champion described his arrest outside Valhalla as a ‘big misunderstanding’ as he returned to shoot a five-under 66 and keep himself in contention at the halfway stage
Xander Schauffele maintained a slender lead at the halfway stage of the PGA Championship after a day dominated by the chaotic arrest of Scottie Scheffler in the early hours of Friday morning at Valhalla.
The American had been attempting to make his way to the course ahead of the start of the second round, but was stopped by police over what he later called “a big misunderstanding”.
Scheffler was placed in handcuffs and arrested, before being charged by the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections, with the second round pushed back by an hour and 20 minutes due to the fatal accident.
The 27-year-old was later released by police and produced a sparkling five-under-par 66 to remain in contention for his second major in as many months. The World No.1 sits three shots back of Schauffele who fired a three-under 69 to set the clubhouse lead at -12.
Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa and fellow American Sahith Theegala sit in contention at -11 and -10 respectively but Rory McIlroy’s bid to end his decade-long major drought stuttered after a disappointing even-par round.
Relive all the action from the second round of the PGA Championship below:
Scheffler within one
Scheffler -8 (13*), Clark E (13*), Harman -2 (13*)
Another gorgeous wedge into the green from Scheffler who leaves himself just 3 feet for his second birdie in four holes on this front nine. He makes no mistake and the World No.1 - after all that drama - is within one shot of the lead. Absurd.
Harman makes a par but there’s a vital birdie for Clark as he battles to make the cut.
Latest PGA of America statement
It’s been a far from usual day at the PGA Championship, which began with the tragic death of a civilian after a collision with a shuttle bus outside the course at Valhalla.
The victim has now been named as John Mills, while the PGA of America say they are cooperating with local authorities as the fallout from Scheffler’s arrest continues.
A statement released moments ago said: “Our primary concern today remains with the family of John Mills, who lost his life in a tragic accident early this morning while reporting to work.
“As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place. While the legal process plays out, questions should be directed to Scheffler’s attorney or local authorities.”
Three-way lead at the top
Morikawa -9 (14*)
It’s the American who joins Schauffele and Hubbard at the top, pouring in his birdie effort from 16 feet to get up to -9 for the tournament.
It’s getting awfully crowded at the top.
Sandy save from Scheffler
Scheffler -7 (12*), Clark +1 (12*), Harman -2 (12*)
The rain has clearly made the bunker sand that bit heavier and Scheffler finds that out for himself first hand as his bunker shot comes up a bit short on the par-3 12th.
He’s got around eight feet to save his par... and does so superbly! The ball just catches the right lip on this occasion and drops generously into the cup. A great save to remain at -7.
Harman, though, can’t do the same and drops back to -2.
Hubbard joins the lead
Hubbard -9 (9*)
The American almost pulled level with Schauffele last hole but he makes no mistake at the par-5 18th. A great wedge in and he rolls it in superbly to get to -9.
He makes the turn now for his second nine - how low can he go before Schauffele gets underway.
Scheffler within two
Scheffler -7 (11*), Clark +1 (11*), Harman -3 (11*)
Words simply fail. Another perfect iron approach and a fourth birdie of the day for Scheffler who is now just two shots back of Schauffele at the top of the board.
He’s lapping up the support from the crowd today and making the most of it.
Pars for Harman and Clark.
Morikawa within one
Morikawa -8 (13*)
The American is searching for his second PGA Championship and is going about it the right way as he finds another birdie after a superb approach into the par-4 fourth.
Another birdie for his round, which has yet to produce a blemish either, and he is alongside fellow countryman Hubbard on -8 now.
Kim finds another
Kim -7 (13*)
A run of six straight pars comes to an end for the South Korean but it’s met with a birdie - his third of the day - to move him up into a tie for third on -7. Kim finished runner-up at the Open last year and looks to be right at home in these big events despite his young age.
Lip out for Scheffler!
Scheffler -6 (10*), Clark +1 (10*), Harman -3 (10*)
So close to another birdie for the World No.1 but his putt just catches the lip and refuses to drop. Still an easy-enough par for the American.
Harman also makes par but it’s a bogey for Clark who is struggling today and has a fight on his hands to make the cut.
Bogey for Noren
Noren -6 (14), Detry -7 (12)
A backwards move at just the wrong time for the Swede as he misses a short-ish putt to save his par on the 14th. He slips back to -6 and three of Schauffele.
Detry, meanwhile, replaces him in the group at -7 after a stellar approach from the Belgian leaves him with just three feet left to tap in for his birdie.
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