“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,” Scheffler said.

“It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do.

“I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.

“Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective.”

Videos of the scene outside the course in Louisville, Kentucky, showed Scheffler handcuffed and being guided into the back of a police car.

Police later published a report into the incident which said the officer who attempted to prevent Scheffler from entering the course in his car was dragged to the ground and suffered “pain, swelling and abrasions” to his left wrist and knee.

The report said Detective Bryan Gillis was directing traffic near Gate 1 of Valhalla and was wearing a full police uniform and a “high-visibility yellow reflective rain jacket”.

The report also said Gillis’ uniform trousers were “damaged beyond repair” and that he was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

Scheffler, who has won four of his last five events, carded a four-under-par 67 in the first round on Thursday after a remarkable start that saw him hole a 167-yard nine-iron for an eagle-two on the opening hole.

On Friday, he recorded a five-under round of 66 which put him two shots off the lead at the time.

He is chasing a third successive victory after winning the Masters and RBC Heritage in April before taking three weeks off for the birth of his first child.