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01 May, 2025
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Michael Block 'Party' Clinches PGA Championship Return with Epic Performance
@Source: newsweek.com
The legend of Michael Block just won't quit.Rarely has a 15th-place finish captivated the golf world more than Block's miracle run in the 2023 PGA Championship. And now the club pro from Mission Viejo, California, will get a chance to recreate the magic.Block qualified for his fourth straight PGA Championship appearance this week. And he didn't have an exemption like he did last year. This time, he had to do it the hard way, by beating 300 other club pros around the country for a spot.And he made his presence known right away, firing a 7-under 64 on the first day to take the outright lead at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie after the first round. From there, he coasted, carding scores of 71-75-73 the rest of the way to finish in a tie for third in the 312-player field, with the Top 20 players getting invites to Quail Hollow on May 15.If he can come anywhere close to matching the excitement he created during the 2023 event at Oak Hill, the PGA will likely give him exemptions for life. Because only Rory McIlroy's win at this year's Masters can duplicate the thrill "The Block Party" gave the golf world that week.Not only did he shoot three straight even-par 70s his first three rounds, he also gave on-course interviews and honest and hilarious post-round press conferences that turned him into a media and fan darling going into a final round few would ever forget.That Sunday, he'd be paired with McIlroy, and on the 15th hole, hit one of the most memorable shots in PGA Championship history.That hole-in-one on the fly turned Block from an overnight sensation into a legend. The everyman who stood toe-to-toe with one of the best players in the world and dropped an ace right in front of him.But he wasn't done there. He needed a par on 18 to finish inside the Top 15, guaranteeing himself a return trip to the tournament the next year.After putting his second shot in a terrible position well left off the green in deep rough, he hit a remarkable chip shot to give himself a chance. Then, with all the pressure in the world on his shoulders, and the entire golf world watching, Block nailed the 8-foot putt to cash a $288K check and book a trip to Valhalla the next year.It also earned him sponsor exemption to multiple tournaments after that and scored him endorsement deals from TaylorMade, Michelob Ultra, Raising Cane's and more.There's little Block can do in Charlotte that will match the week we all got introduced to him in '23, but just having him in the field will make this year's PGA a can't-miss event.MORE GOLF: PGA Tour CEO Search Linked to Longtime Friend of Tiger Woods
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