Scottie Scheffler's arrest during the PGA Championship caused various controversies and reactions. The 28-year-old golfer previously played a great season, was close to winning this competition as well, and then something happened that few expected. Reactions in the media were mixed: While some reacted positively, the majority seemed to be critical of the world number 1.
However, months later, what impression did Scheffler make afterwards?
According to renowned golf columnist Mike Bianchi, it's the best thing that could have happened to Scottie Scheffler. Bianchi pointed out in his column that the popular golfer was seen as a boring golfer, but the situation at the PGA Championship changed the fans' image of him.
"Before the arrest last season, Scheffler was perceived as a brilliant-but-bland golfer. Yes, he was a dominant force on the course, combining consistency, precision and an unflappable mental game. But off the course, he had a forgettable personality in a sport that craves larger-than-life characters such as Tiger and Arnie."- he wrote, as quoted by Bellingham Herald.
Mike Bianchi: The arrest could have tarnished his reputation
Although it is difficult to assess how his incident at the PGA Championship affected his reputation, it seems that Scheffler has become more popular and recognizable, even for those who do not follow golf. The 28-year-old handled himself well after his arrest, he did not want to react furiously, and it is impressive that he returned to the competition.
After the chaos that arose and the end of this tournament, Scottie started furiously in the continuation of the season, and broke many records. The world number one showed that he is at the top of the OWGR list for a reason.
"The arrest could have tarnished his reputation, but instead it transformed Scheffler's public image. It showed a certain vulnerability and humanized a man who was previously perceived as an unsmiling, unflinching golfing robot. It also revealed Scheffler as a man who handled an absurd, chaotic situation with grace and dignity."- Bianchi wrote.
