The 2023 PGA Championship just witnessed a story to be told for ages! Michael Block, a club pro, marked a huge feat against the world’s best pro golfers. All eyes were on Block, and the hole-in-one is a testament of never-giving-up.
2023 is the year of comebacks, retirements, and athletes contemplating their careers, given their age. But Michael Block just proved that one’s triumph could start at the age of 46. But don’t mistake this fateful day as an overnight success. Here’s the story of Micheal Block–The man who made golf surreal!
Who Is Michael Block? Where Did He Come From?
Micheal Block, born on 15th June 1976, has been interested in golf since his college days at Mississippi State University and the University of Missouri- St.Louis. To keep his passion alight, he got his degree in Golf Course management from San Diego Golf Academy. Consequently, he achieved an excellent technical and statistical understanding of golf.
From 1998-2004, he gained practical knowledge as the assistant club professional at The Lakes Country Club. And eventually, he was appointed head club professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. He established himself as a club professional with teaching credentials under his belt.
Is Micheal Block A Pro?
Michael has pursued Golf championships for over 25 years, playing 24 PGA tours and making the cut four times.
Block’s career-defining moments before his most significant victory were his wins in the 2001 California State Open and Southern California PGA Championships in 2012, 2018, and 2022. But his win at the 2014 PGA Professional National Championship gained him his biggest paycheck of $75,000. He is still considered a club professional rather than a pro Golfer until the 2023 PGA Championship.
How Did Michael Block Get In?
Michael finished second in the 2023 PGA Professional Championship last month, which earned him a qualification to play against the top professional golfers in the ultimate PGA Championship.
As per the qualification criteria, Club Professionals are selected for the PGA Championship if they secure a top 70 position in the PGA Professional Championship.
They can also be nominated by the PGA of America under special exemption.
Why Is Michael Block So Popular?
It’s the story of an underdog, and the people are here for his inspiring journey!
As the tournament’s second round started, Block scored birdies at 3 out of 5 holes, securing a joint second place. He dropped three shots in 2 holes and finished the championship with a strategic shot.
With each step closer to victory, Block received immense support from the audience as he displayed his showmanship with utmost humility, yet confident in his skills.
But the hole-in-the-one forever cemented his name in PGA, with overall scoring of 70-70-70-71. Thus, qualifying him for the 2024 PGA Championship with a T15 position.
“I’m living a dream, I’m making sure that I enjoy this moment. I’ve learned that after my 46 years of life, it’s not going to get better than this. There’s no way.”
The greatest shot brought him to tears, with disbelief at his 9 ft hole-in-one stroke as he exclaimed, “It Didn’t get in, did it? No…No…No way!” He walks amidst the cheering crowd as epiphany strikes that he is now a Golf Pro.
He is the people’s champ now!
How Much Money Did Michael Block Make?
Micheal Block finished in a three-way tie for the 15th. By the standards, this earns him $288,333, almost four times more than his 2014 Club Professional National Championship Tournament win of $750000.
What are your thoughts on Michael Block’s performance? Do you think he will rank higher in the 2024 PGA championship?
Do you think more club professionals should be given a chance to compete?
Let us know your favorite moment from the championship in the comment section below.
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