“The Pinnacle of Golf: Anticipating the High-Stakes PGA Championship 2023”

Club Pro Michael Block Contends at 2023 PGA Championship

Michael Block, a PGA club pro, has exceeded expectations at the 2023 PGA Championship held in Rochester, New York. The 46-year-old Block did not think he would make the weekend, but he is now even through three days of the tournament with three straight 70s, just one of the nine players who is not over par.

A Chance to Make History

As Block heads into the final 18, he is just outside the fire, six shots back, and will play with Rory McIlroy on Sunday. Although winning might be a tall task at six back, especially with the likes of Brooks Koepka, Viktor Hovland, Bryson DeChambeau, and McIlroy in his way, Block still maintains the mindset that winning is possible.

However, even without a win, there is a lot on the line for Block in the final round. Block’s initial goal was to make the cut and to be the low club pro. But he is now approaching his second goal, which is to make history. If Block finishes in ninth place, that would net him a cool $500,000, with a top-20 finish bringing home $213,000.

Block is currently T-8, and the last club professional to be among the top 10 on the leaderboard after 54 holes of a PGA Championship was Bob Boyd in 1990 at Shoal Creek. Thus, if Block maintains his position, he would be the first club pro in over 30 years to be in the top 10 of the PGA Championship.

Opportunities to Come

In addition to making history, Block has opportunities to play in other significant tournaments if he finishes in the top four. The top 15 finishers (and ties) are invited to next year’s PGA Championship at Valhalla in Louisville, while the top four finishers receive an invitation to the Masters. A win at the U.S. Open and Open Championship would also warrant an invitation to play the following year.

Block, however, is not trying to get ahead of himself and is focused on enjoying the moment. He understands that this could potentially be the best week of his life and is planning to savor it.

Conclusion

Michael Block’s performance at the PGA Championship is a reminder that in sports, anything can happen. As spectators, we are often in awe of the underdogs and upsets that make the headlines. Block’s story is a feel-good story, showcasing the power of belief and hard work. For Block, this is more than just a tournament; it is a chance to make history and possibly play at other significant tournaments in the future.

As for the rest of us, Block’s story serves as a lesson to never give up on our dreams and to always believe in ourselves even when others might doubt us.