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While most of the top-ranked golfers struggled to make the cut at the 2023 PGA Championship, Michael Block easily slid into the top 10. The American has built on his good start to the tournament and has been playing impressively well.
The 46-year-old golfer has been playing the sport for a decade, but few fans have heard about him. He is now making the headlines of plenty of newspapers and turning a few heads at the 2023 PGA Championship.
Block attracted attention after making the cut in the major tournament on Friday. At one point, he was just one shot off the lead - no mean feat. Although it will not be easy for him to win the trophy on Sunday, he called it the best week of his life and stated that is enjoying his game.
Speaking to the media, Block said:
"Before you know it, you’re 60 years old and retired and look back at the videos and remember that was the best week of my life. So I’m going to sit back as much as I can with my friends and my family at the house we rented and watch the videos tonight and see all my new followers on Instagram. It’s been crazy."
Here are five lesser known facts about Michael Block.
5 things you probably didn't know about Michael Block
#1 Michael Block has won five professional events
Despite playing gold since his college days, Michael Block spent most of his time working as a club professional in Southern California.
He has won five professional events over the course of his career. Yet, he is still waiting for his first victory on the PGA Tour.
#2 Named the 2022 PGA Professional Player of the Year
The prestigious award was presented by Rolex and was one of the items on Block's bucket list.
In a conversation with the media, he said:
"This was one of my last bucket list dreams. That’s why I made it a priority to make it to Florida to seal it up. Once I did have the lead, I didn’t want to lose it again as I had in the past by not playing in the Tournament Series events.
"I have a very supportive management at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. There’s no way I could have done this and been gone as much as I am from home if I didn’t have my wife and kids’ support as well."
#3 Michael Block has an imprint on his golf ball
Block stamped his TaylorMade golf ball with a one-of-a-kind statement. "Why Not?" is scrawled on his ball, presumably to remind himself that nothing is beyond achievement.
#4 Major tournaments record
Block is the talk of the town for his resounding performance at the 2023 PGA Championship. However, it was not the first time he played in a major event.
Block had competed seven times in the PGA Championship but failed to make the cut before doing so in this year's tournament.
#5 PGA Tour earnings
Block has earned $38,038 on PGA Tour. He had played in 25 events and made the cut in five of them.
If he finishes in the top 10 at the 2023 PGA championship, he will take home the biggest check of his career.
