Scottie Scheffler returns to the PGA Tour with a bang as he claims early lead in first tournament since having all charges dropped in Kentucky

Scottie Scheffler returned to the PGA Tour with an emphatic statement on Thursday, taking the lead at the Memorial Tournament - his first event since having all charges dropped in Kentucky last week. 

Scheffler birdied the final hole to finish on five-under par for the day.

He was joined at that score by Adam Hadwin moments later while they were both one ahead of a number of players, including PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele.

Scheffler was detained ahead of his second round at the PGA Championship last month after he tried to drive into the course in heavy traffic which had been caused by an unrelated accident in which a male pedestrian died.

The world number one was released in time to return to Valhalla and card a remarkable 66, but only after being charged with four offences, the most serious being second-degree assault of a police officer, which is a felony.

The charges were dropped 12 days later, with Scheffler finding out during the preceding week’s Charles Schwab Challenge – where he finished tied second – that was set to be the case.

More to follow.