Golf’s latest beloved figure, a 47-year-old cult hero who recently made waves in the golfing world by achieving a hole-in-one while playing alongside Rory McIlroy, is set to take center stage at the upcoming Australian Open.
Michael Block, a club professional from the United States, who managed to outperform renowned players like Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth, and Jason Day at this year’s PGA Championship, has been officially confirmed as one of the headline attractions for the national championship in Sydney next month.
This devoted father of two went from relative obscurity to receiving congratulatory text messages from none other than Michael Jordan following his remarkable 15th-place finish at Oak Hill earlier this year. This remarkable turn of events prompted the Australian Open organizers to extend an invitation to Block, joining the ranks of local stars like Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, and Min Woo Lee, who will be playing alongside Australia’s women’s major winners Minjee Lee and Hannah Green.
In his own words, Block expressed his intention in coming to Australia, stating, ‘I’m not arriving in Australia for a leisurely sightseeing tour. My purpose is to express gratitude for the exemption and demonstrate my ability to compete in Australia and engage with the golfing community.’ He added, ‘My primary goal is to gain confidence, enjoy the experience, and engage with everyone. If I spot a volunteer within reach, I’m going to thank them; it’s just how I am. I want to show my appreciation, but I also love to converse as it helps me relax. And who knows, by the end of the week, I hope that many Australians will recognize me. Ideally, by Saturday and Sunday, I’ll have the entire Australian crowd rooting for Block.’
Block’s meteoric rise to stardom culminated in a hole-in-one while playing alongside McIlroy during his final round at the PGA Championship, marking his first cut at a major tournament after seven attempts. His maiden major appearance took place at the 2007 US Open.
After years of teaching club members in California, Block managed to secure a significant $460,000 at this year’s second major, a significant increase from his previous highest earnings of $120,000. He has also secured at least three starts on the PGA Tour for the following year.
Reflecting on his newfound celebrity, Block remarked, ‘I was seemingly destined for this moment where everyone desires a picture, photograph, or autograph from a club professional. I relish it, even though it feels surreal that so many people want an autograph from a club pro. But I understand it won’t last indefinitely. When you travel the world and hear about various tournaments and places, I haven’t heard a single negative thing about Sydney. Everything sounds fantastic, and my only concern is that I might not want to return to the United States.’
While Block is determined to give his best in Sydney, he acknowledges his reality as a 47-year-old club professional who spends most of his day in the office. He humorously notes the need to close his office door to focus on work due to his newfound popularity. He said, ‘I can’t afford to have a B or C game like Cam and Adam; my game needs to be at its A-game. I may not be a 47-year-old club professional, sitting in my office most of the day. I’m not out working on my short game right now. Does my game need to be A+? No, it doesn’t, but it does need to be in top form.’
As for long drive challenges during the Australian Open, Block humorously remarked, ‘I had the opportunity to witness [Min Woo Lee] hit a three iron that went 30 yards beyond my driver, which was quite disheartening.’ He then shared his dream scenario for the event: ‘My ideal situation in Sydney would be to get paired with Min, Adam Scott, or Cam. I may not start with them right away, but I hope to work my way up to playing alongside them during the weekend.
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