Michael Block’s performance at the 2023 PGA Championship was nothing short of remarkable.
The club pro from Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California had fans loving his every move as he shocked tour members by keeping pace and eventually tying for 15th place.
It was the best finish by a PGA professional (those who teach the game) since 1986 and qualified him for this year’s PGA Championship.
Oh, and he tossed in a hole-in-one on the 15th hole of the final round to boot.
Block spoke to Fox News Digital about what he’s expecting during this year’s championship, the pressure he might be feeling, and what kind of atmosphere he might bring as a fan favorite.
He also noted that the last time he played the course – the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky – in August, he just so happened to tie the course record.
“I shot 63 the first day and 71 the second day with the owner,” Block said.
“Obviously, different conditions than a major, but still very similar. I love it. I love the golf course. I love everything about it. I love the people of Louisville. So, it can definitely be another party for sure.”
If Block fires a 63 out of the gate, Valhalla is going to be rocking like … well, Valhalla I presume.
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Michael Block’s 2023 PGA Championship Dream
Michael Block’s performance at the 2023 PGA Championship was something straight out of Hollywood. It was the third-best all-time showing for a PGA professional at the event.
Block’s performance included a hole-in-one at the 15th hole during the final round, which was one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.
He didn’t even realize what he had done. Not to mention, he was paired with Rory McIlroy for the final round, adding to the excitement and significance of his performance.
MICHAEL. BLOCK. ACE. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/YitD2QLDB7
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 21, 2023
Block’s achievement earned him a spot in the 2024 PGA Championship and a prize of $288,333.
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No Guarantee Of A Repeat Performance
While he’s hoping for “another party,” Michael Block has no guarantees of a repeat performance. The odds of him coming out with a 63 are very, very slim.
And, he notes, he had zero pressure on his shoulders last year.
“I’d be lying to you if I didn’t tell you I have more pressure on myself than ever in my life,” Block stated. “The amount of pressure I had last year going to Oak Hill was nothing. Literally nada. It was like, ‘Oh, it’s the club pro, and he’s going to finish tied for last.’ That’s what everyone expects, so no pressure.”
Whatever he shoots though, Block will have the fans behind him again, some of them parts of his own life, including “friends from across the world showing up.”
Right now, Masters champ Scottie Scheffler is the odds-on favorite to win the 2024 PGA Championship. Will Block be the most fun to watch though?
We can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.
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