Many golf fans came into the 2023 PGA Championship thinking that it would be yet another showdown among the world’s top-ranked golfers, but the Oak Hill course has proved them wrong, and how! In a tournament that has seen the likes of Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas struggle, several lesser-known golfers are currently stealing the show.
In fact, one of the biggest highlights of the event so far has been 46-year-old club pro Michael Block, who currently sits six shots behind tournament leader Brooks Koepka. As the PGA Championship heads into its final day, the 8th-placed golfer has now achieved another great milestone, proving that dreams do come true!
Rory McIlroy paired up with Michael Block for final round at Oak Hill
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A California club pro, Michael Block has made appearances in 24 PGA Tour events over his career, making the cut in just 4 of them. At the moment, however, Block is giving many golfing heavyweights a run for their money at the ongoing PGA Championship! He kicked off his major campaign with a 70 on Thursday, followed by another 70 the next day. On Saturday, back-to-back birdies at the 14th and 15th hole helped the Californian card his third consecutive even-par 70 at Oak Hill.
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Block is currently tied at the 8th position on the leaderboard along with PGA Tour’s Justin Suh and will be paired up with none than other Rory McIlroy for the big day! So, how did Block take the news regarding the 4-time major winner? “You serious?” said the pleasantly shocked golfer. “Wow. That should be fun.”
While Block has had some experience in the PGA Championship, this is the first time he has found himself among the top 10. The golf community has welcomed his final-day pairing with McIlroy, with even the World No.3 himself chiming in!
Golf community reacts to amazing Michael Block news
On Saturday, 2-time Wanamaker trophy winner Rory McIlroy joined the golf world to shower praises on the 46-year-old Michael Block, whose heroics at Oak Hill have taken the world by storm. “Looking forward to it, Michael,” wrote the Irishman. “Nah dude. Rory is paired with Michael,” commented another golf fan. McIlroy, meanwhile, is vying to put an end to his 9-year major drought and currently sits solo at the 7th place on the leaderboard.
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“Not the hero we deserve, but the one we need right now,” wrote another fan. “What dreams are made of,” noted another golf enthusiast. On Saturday, Block birdied thrice on the back nine to stay among the top contenders for the Wanamaker trophy. At one point, his putt on the 18th was even treated to a standing ovation from the spectators!
In the future, fans definitely want to see more of the golfer, with one writing, “Hope he finishes top 4 and grabs an invite to the Masters.” “Give this man a tour card #oneofus,” opined another passionate fan.
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What do you think of Michael Block’s run at the PGA Championship so far? Which golfer are you rooting for to clinch the Wanamaker trophy? Tell us in the comments!