All week, traffic has stacked up around the club’s entrance as massive shuttle buses have wound their way from Shelbyville Road onto club property, like ocean liners attempting to parallel park.
The rain rolled into Louisville after midnight on Friday, soaking the roads and creating a cascade of reflections from all the lights and sirens around Valhalla. The details of the accident involving Mills aren’t yet public, but the details don’t really matter. The tournament has proceeded, with grief communicated via press release.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club,” the PGA Championship said in a statement. “This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
A later statement added context: “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.”
