
USA Today via Reuters
May 21, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block reacts after being awarded the low PGA championship Club Professional Bowl after the PGA Championship golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
May 21, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; Michael Block reacts after being awarded the low PGA championship Club Professional Bowl after the PGA Championship golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
For a brief period, Michael Block became the darling of the golf world. The PGA club professional made it big at the season’s second major championship, which earned him applause from fans all over the world.
However, a rather preposterous statement from Block while comparing his game to superstar Rory McIlroy left a foul taste in the golf community. The veteran has sought to clarify his comments but didn’t rule out a chance to boast about his putting game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Block clears up Rory McIlroy comparison
Having experienced a whirlwind PGA Championship weekend at the Oak Hills course, Block became an immediate fan favorite due to his fairytale story. The club pro was invited to various talk shows and media channels following the event, which turned him into a household name.
However, it looks like the newfound fame sparked Block’s arrogance. During one of his many show appearances, Block openly claimed that he’d be one of the best players in the world if provided with McIlroy’s ball-striking distance.

via Imago
PGA, Golf Herren Professional, Michael Block reacts to the crowd after finishing the third round of the 2023 PGA Championship even par at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York on Saturday, May 20, 2023. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY PGA20230520140 AARONxJOSEFCZYK
Eventually, the statement was condemned by thousands of supporters, who turned against their beloved golfer. In yet another appearance at a show, this time at the ‘Subpar’ podcast, Block stated what he actually meant during the conversation.
“I definitely got misinterpreted on that one for sure,” he said. “And I meant nothing… I wasn’t throwing shade at Rory at all. That guy is an absolute stud.”
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Does Michael Block still consider himself one of the world’s best at longer distances?
Furthermore, the PGA Championship hero asserted whether he’d be a better player if not for his shabby distance hitting. While he stayed clear of making another controversial statement, Block stayed put to his strengths.
“Would I be higher ranked than I am right now, being that much longer? Absolutely. How much higher? I have no idea,” he claimed. “I’m 577 in the world right now. I’d definitely be in the top 500 if I had 60 more yards every single tee shot.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Since his T-15 finish at the PGA Championship, Block has failed to make the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge after gaining an exemption to the event. Can he improve upon his performances in the events to come? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Watch This Story | Michael Block reveals the implications of Brooks Koepka’s warning after $288,333 PGA Championship finish
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT