ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It’s been a magical week for Michael Block, the California club pro who entered the final day of the 105th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in a tie for eighth place.
Block was stunned when he found out he’d be paired with Rory McIlroy on Sunday. No golf club pro has ever placed higher than 11th in a PGA tournament.
During the second round, Block, the 46-year-old head professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, birdied his first hole of the day to move into a tie for second place behind leader Bryson DeChambeau. He then birded his third and fifth hole.
He found himself in the company of such notables as Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler early in the second round of the PGA Championship and ended up shooting a second consecutive round of even-par 70 to ensure that he’d make the 36-hole cut. When his day was complete, he was tied for 13th place.
By Sunday he’d become a cult favorite of sorts, drawing crowds and cheers prior to this round.
Dreams can come true, kids. @PGAChampionship #michaelblock #OakHillCountryClub pic.twitter.com/Qf5MKdVSx8
— Tim Schmitt (@TMSGolfweek) May 21, 2023
One of the endearing features of this major is that several spots in the field are reserved for club pros like Block — and occasionally they make some noise, but rarely like Block has. He has been named the Southern California PGA Player of the Year in nine of the last 10 years (2013-2022, with the exception being 2017). He’s also a past California State Open champion.
The last PGA Professional to finish among the top 40 for the entire championship was Steve Schneiter, who tied for 40th in 2005 at Baltusrol.
Here’s a look at Block’s magical run in photos.
2023 PGA Championship – Final Round
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 21: A detailed view of a caddie bib worn by caddie…
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 21: A detailed view of a caddie bib worn by caddie John Jackson with the name of Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club Professional, is seen during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
2023 PGA Championship
Michael Block acknowledges fans after a putt on the 18th hole during the third round of…
Michael Block acknowledges fans after a putt on the 18th hole during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. (Photo: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports)
PGA: PGA Championship – Third Round
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block lines up a putt on the ninth…
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block lines up a putt on the ninth green during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
PGA: PGA Championship – Third Round
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block removes the flag on the ninth green…
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block removes the flag on the ninth green during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
PGA: PGA Championship – Third Round
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Justin Rose and Michael Block walk the ninth green…
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Justin Rose and Michael Block walk the ninth green during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
PGA: PGA Championship – Third Round
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block laughs as he walks off the ninth…
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block laughs as he walks off the ninth green during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
PGA: PGA Championship – Third Round
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block and Justin Rose react to fans on…
May 20, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block and Justin Rose react to fans on the 18th fairway during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
Syndication: Democrat and Chronicle
Michael Block tips his hat and waves to the loud supportive crowd following his par on…
Michael Block tips his hat and waves to the loud supportive crowd following his par on the 18th hole during the third round at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club Saturday, May 20, 2023. Block finished the day tied for eighth at even par.
2023 PGA Championship – Final Round
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 21: Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club…
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 21: Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club Professional, is seen on the driving range during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
2023 PGA Championship – Round Three
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 20: Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club…
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 20: Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club Professional, waves to the fans on the 18th hole during the third round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 20, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
2023 PGA Championship – Round Three
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 20: Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club…
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 20: Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club Professional, shakes hands with Justin Rose of England on the 18th green during the third round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 20, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
2023 PGA Championship – Round Two
Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club Professional, plays his shot from the…
Michael Block of the United States, PGA of America Club Professional, plays his shot from the first tee during the second round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 19, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
PGA: PGA Championship – Second Round
Michael Block reacts to a tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of…
Michael Block reacts to a tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
Syndication: Democrat and Chronicle
Michael Block studies the green before his birdie putt attempt on the 18th hole during the…
Michael Block studies the green before his birdie putt attempt on the 18th hole during the second round at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club Friday, May 19, 2023.
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