Michael Block Produces Incredible Final Round At PGA Championship
Michael Block had a tournament to remember as he finished inside the top-15 to secure a spot in next year's PGA Championship
Where do we start with the final round of Michael Block? Well, not only did he make a hole-in-one at the 15th hole in front of Rory McIlroy, but managed to produce an incredible up-and-down from the middle of the crowd to make it inside the top 15 and secure a spot in next year's PGA Championship and a paycheck of around $300,000.
Beginning the round, the 46-year-old was already left speechless when he was paired with McIlroy for the final day and, after arriving four hours early for his tee time to sign items and autographs, he made his way to the first tee.
He's not done yet. 🔥 Michael Block with the save on 18. #PGAChamp | @scpga pic.twitter.com/MOMnFV0WUDMay 21, 2023
As both Block's and McIlroy's names were read out, it was Block's who received the biggest cheer from the Oak Hill crowd. However, a bogey at the first meant his round didn't start well.
Another bogey at the seventh then followed, with the American two-over-par for his round and two-over for the tournament. The final day was yielding a lot of good scores and, with players going low in Rochester, Block would need something special to make it inside the top 15 and secure a spot in next year's PGA Championship.
Something special is what he got as, at the par 3 15th, he slam-dunked his tee shot for an unbelievable hole-in-one and a scene which sent the baying crowds into absolute raptures!
MICHAEL. BLOCK. ACE. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/YitD2QLDB7May 21, 2023
Obviously the adrenaline was flowing and, after finding the fairway bunker with his tee shot, he couldn't find a par, moving his score back to one-over for the tournament and right on the 15th placed number.
Holing a six-foot par putt on the 17th, a par at the last would keep him where he was and also secure the largest paycheck of his career. However, drama is never far away and, as he struck his second shot, it flew directly left into the crowd around the green, with an up-and-down needed for the magical number.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
What followed was why we love this sport, with his pitch shot just carrying the bunker and finishing a mere seven-feet from the flag. Block would still need to hole said putt though and, after McIlroy just missed his birdie putt, the American stepped up to find the centre of the cup and send the fans crazy.
Shooting a final round 71 (one-over), his performance in the PGA Championship was the best by a club pro since 1986, with his hole-in-one also the first by a club pro since 1996. What's more, Block even grabbed a picture with his playing partner in the scoring tent following the conclusion of their round.
“Can you take picture of Rory and I?” pic.twitter.com/LY7DnY9g6tMay 21, 2023
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
YouTube Star George Bryan Comes Within Inches Of PGA Tour Start At Qualifying Event
The YouTube star appeared set for a place at the Myrtle Beach Classic, but a near miss on the 18th left him in a playoff, which Matt Atkins won
By Mike Hall Published
-
6 Mistakes Golfers Make When Choosing A Putter
Joe Ferguson examines how you can avoid some common pitfalls the next time you look to change putters
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2024
Nick Hardy and Davis Riley defend their title at the team event as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry also play
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Set To Make Shock Return To PGA Tour Policy Board - Report
The World No.2 could be returning to the PGA Tour policy board as a player director once again after stepping down from the role last November
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Has A Unique Team Format - Here's How It Works
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans has a unique format, but how does the PGA Tour’s only team event work?
By Mike Hall Published
-
'Determined' Rory McIlroy Enjoying The Challenge Of Finding His Best Form Again
Despite another Masters disappointment, Rory McIlroy says he's enjoying the challenge of trying to find his best form again
By Paul Higham Published
-
RBC Heritage Tee Times - Rounds One And Two
Some of the world's best players are competing at Harbour Town, with Rory McIlroy paired with Ludvig Aberg
By Mike Hall Published
-
RBC Heritage Prize Money Payout 2024
Hot on the heels of The Masters comes the latest signature event on the PGA Tour, this time from Harbour Town in South Carolina
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Will Play The PGA Tour For The Rest Of My Career' - Rory McIlroy Emphatically Shuts Down $850m LIV Golf Report
The four-time Major winner has told the Golf Channel he has no intention of making the leap from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy’s Manager Responds To $850m LIV Golf Report
Sean O'Flaherty has described a report linking his client with a big-money move to LIV Golf as "fake news"
By Mike Hall Published