Only the most hardcore of golf fans knew who Michael Block was before this weekend. The PGA club pro at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California is now a household name in the golf world due to an incredible hole-in-one on the back nine of the final round of the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, NY.
Of course, he’s played a lot of great golf this week even before his dramatic shot. Michael Block entered the final round inside the top ten, paired in the fourth-to-last group with Rory McIlroy. Playing with Rory McIlroy in the final round is a lot different from giving lessons to duffers in Southern California.
Michael Block is the head pro at a public course in California and charges $150 for 60-minute lessons.
But today he’s paired with Rory McIlroy for the final round of the PGA Championship — and he’s currently in position to take home $500,000.
You couldn’t write a better script. pic.twitter.com/D58O1AGrUq
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) May 21, 2023
After two bogeys on the front nine, he was languishing at +2 for the round and tournament, and outside of the top 15. That is crucial, as the top 15 and ties are invited back to next year’s PGA Championship at Valhalla Country Club in Louisville.
When he stepped up to the par 3 15th hole, Michael Block’s entire life changed. He went from feel-good story for a week to a legend. Take a look at this.
MICHAEL BLOCK!
HOLE-IN-ONE! pic.twitter.com/AGckvo8F7B
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) May 21, 2023
Yes, he dunked it! And, look at how wholesome his reaction is.
🚨 A walk to remember.. soak it in Michael Block! Absolutely legendary!
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 21, 2023
Twitter erupted, with everyone posting clips of the shot that Michael Block will remember for the rest of his life.
Michael Block. What a hero!
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) May 21, 2023
MICHAEL BLOCK HOLE IN ONE! pic.twitter.com/eAyxNNhfNq
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 21, 2023