UXBRIDGE, England — Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen is to face trial after being charged with sexual assault and being drunk on an aircraft.
Olesen, 29, indicated he would plead not guilty to the offenses when he made a brief appearance at a magistrates’ court in Uxbridge, west of London, on Wednesday.
Olesen, who is ranked No. 65 and was a member of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team in 2018, was arrested on July 29, immediately after returning to London from a World Golf Championship event in Tennessee.
Olesen, a five-time European Tour winner, has also been charged with assault by beating. He spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and nationality, as well as indicating not guilty pleas. He was granted unconditional bail and is expected to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on Sept. 18.
Olesen was arrested at Heathrow Airport on July 29 upon his return from the World Golf Championships event in Tennessee, where he tied for 27th place. He allegedly got into an argument with other passengers in first class and urinated in the aisle. According to multiple reports, Olesen also allegedly sexually assaulted a female passenger while she slept.
Olesen has been suspended by the European Tour pending the outcome of the case.