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Local San Diego Teaching Pro in the Mix at the 2023 PGA

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Michael Block — golf’s common man who is still holding his own against the world’s top players at the PGA Championship this week — plugged his ears and shook his head, making a point of not wanting to hear how big his payday might be if he finishes among the top 10.

“Nope…Nope – I don’t want to hear it,” Block, the club professional out of Southern California, said Saturday. He revealed the largest paycheck he’s ever won from playing golf was $75,000, at the 2014 Club Professional National Championship at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Sufficed to say he will shatter that record in the next 24 hours!

“I don’t focus on what I might make or could make or anything like that. I pretty much am putting my head down,” he added after staying in contention with his third consecutive even-par 70 that has him tied for eighth at Oak Hill.

The mere fact the 46-year-old was paired with Justin Rose for the tournament’s third round was intimidating enough, Block refused to look at his playing partner’s face through the first few holes. Now get this, welcome to the show my main man, On Sunday, you will be paired with Rory McIlroy, a four-time major champion. His reaction was timeless [watch below ???] – That’s just how he rolls.

“You serious?” “Wow. That should be fun. We’ll have a good time,” he continued before adding, “Wait…Really?”

That’s what makes him so likable – his authenticity! He is the type of guy who orders chicken wings between lessons at Royal Trabuco – his home course in Mission Viejo, CA. I can personally verify – he passes the airport test. If you were stuck on a layover in a strange airport he is exactly the kind of guy you would want to sit next to at the bar!

Try as he can, Block is unable to block (see what I did there) out all the hype he’s generating around the golf course, on social media and television, where he appeared to be a natural conducting a live interview with broadcasters Jim Nantz and Scott Van Pelt in between shots. He was cool as the other side of a pillow today while Mic’d up and firing shots like a seasoned veteran.

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“It’s just been awesome. Scott came up to me right before I was teeing off today and expressed how much he enjoyed the interview I had with him on 14 the other day,” Block said. “And I looked at my caddie and my friend, and I’m like, ‘This is ridiculous. I don’t even know what I’m doing.’”

Mike is making everything look relatively easy both on and off the course. On Saturday, he overcame a double bogey on the par-4 sixth and finished with three birdies and a bogey on the back nine. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish!

Though he might seem out of his element, Block doesn’t lack confidence while competing in his seventh major. Fun Fact – This is the first in which he’s made the cut.

PAIRINGS

“I love Rosey, but I am not scared, I can compete against these guys, to be honest,” he added, referring to Rory. “I can hang. I can post a 3- or 4-under tomorrow, especially if I get the fairways rolling again.”

No matter the outcome on Sunday, Block has made it a point to enjoy every moment.

“Before you know it, you’re 60 years old and retired, and look back at the videos and remember that was the best week of my life,” Block said. “So I’m going to sit back as much as I can with my friends and my family at the house we rented and watch the videos tonight and see all my new followers on Instagram. It’s been crazy.” “I am like famous now…well kinda”

PRIZE PURSE

The winner of the PGA Championship will receive $3.15 million. Read that again! 3.15 Million Dollars.

The PGA of America said Saturday its prize fund is $17.5 million. That’s up from $15 million last year. The winner gets $500,000 less than Masters champion Jon Rahm earned last month.

The purses in the majors have been steadily increasing, though not at the rate of the PGA Tour, which this year has 11 tournaments with $20 million or more in prize money. The individual winner at each LIV Golf event gets $4 million from a $20 million purse.

Editors Note: He is a local icon and a personal friend… I asked him what he was going to do tonight. His response was exactly what I expected. ” Well Jaybo, a lil food, a little booze, then try to sleep and not stare at the wall all night”. You know me bro – I am just going to try to play like it’s a 4 ball with the boys at home.

“Bottom line, this is life-changing money, my man – dinner is on me next time we go out”

I am guessing all of So-Cal is rooting for our hometown boy! In the famous words of another Michael – “JUST DO IT”!

Oh and by the way my man, I am ordering the most expensive thing on the menu when we go out to dinner to celebrate! Go Get em Blocky! We got you.

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The latest breaking news in golf.

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Check back often to stay informed on everything happening on and off the course.

  • Defending champion Max Homa birdied his last two holes to shoot a 6-under 66 and take a one-shot lead over South African Ockie Strydom in the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Thursday.
  • Tony Finau denied rumors that he was leaving the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf, telling Golfweek that his recent withdrawal from the Hero World Challenge was due to a knee procedure.
  • by Associated Press
    Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for women under new gender policies published Wednesday.
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Welcome to the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open!

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Hello, everyone! Kelly Hodgeson here, your go-to for all things golf betting. As we gear up for an electrifying week at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open from October 17-20, I’m here to guide you through the field and share some inside tips on where to place your bets.

Let’s talk about Will Gordon. Despite the odds sitting at +30000, there’s a potential goldmine if he pulls through with a win. A modest $10 bet could turn into $3,010! And if you’re looking for something a bit safer, his top 10 finish at +1800 could return $190 on that same $10. It’s all about finding those hidden gems.

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Now, onto the stars of the show—Tom Kim is back, aiming for a spectacular three-peat with odds of 12-1. His performance at the Presidents Cup has everyone buzzing, and rightfully so. Other big names to watch include Davis Thompson and Taylor Pendrith, both with solid 25-1 odds. These players have shown they can handle the pressure, making this tournament anyone’s game.

At Spreads, we made sure even the casual bettor felt like a VIP, and that’s exactly what I’m bringing to Clickit Golf. Whether you’re betting big or just here for the thrill, I’m here to make sure you’re getting the VIP treatment.

Remember, golf is unpredictable, but that’s where the fun lies. Whether you’re here to place a bet or simply enjoy the game, the Shriners Children’s Open is set to be a fantastic display of talent and nerve. So, grab your scorecards and let’s make this tournament one for the books!

Don’t forget the incredible work that Shriners Children’s Hospital does for their patients. Maybe use some of that bankroll to make a bet on them, it’s a sure winner.

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The Final Day of the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship

A thrilling showdown looms

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As the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson heads into its final day, golf fans are eagerly anticipating an electrifying finish. The tournament has already delivered high-stakes competition and plenty of nail-biting moments, with the field of contenders showcasing both resilience and finesse throughout the week.

After three rounds of spectacular golf, Keith Mitchell enters the final day leading the pack at 20-under par, with Beau Hossler right on his heels at 19-under. Mitchell, whose only PGA Tour win came more than five years ago at the Honda Classic, faces a critical moment on Sunday as he aims for his second title. He was flawless on Saturday, carding a bogey-free 7-under 65 to climb to the top, but he knows Sunday will be a true test of nerves and skill.

“Tomorrow is a completely new day,” Mitchell stated after his round. “Last group. Been there before and failed a bunch on Sundays in the last group. I’m hoping I can learn from those mistakes.” Whether Mitchell can hold his composure and deliver a steady final round remains to be seen, but fans are excited to see if he can secure the victory.

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Beau Hossler, searching for his first PGA Tour victory, will be applying pressure throughout the day, keeping Mitchell in his sights. Hossler’s performance so far has been marked by a series of strong rounds, but a crucial double bogey on the par-4 12th hole on Saturday set him back. Despite the setback, Hossler remains just one shot behind Mitchell at 19-under par. His determination and strong play make it evident that a breakthrough win may not be far off for the 29-year-old.

The final round also promises notable performances from several other players, adding to the intensity of the event. Kevin Yu is currently in third place at 18-under, after an impressive birdie streak on the back nine during Saturday’s round. Meanwhile, Bud Cauley, Lucas Glover, and Jacob Bridgeman are all tied for fourth at 16-under. Each of these players has shown tremendous fight, and the final round could see anyone emerge as a challenger.

Hayden Springer, who began the tournament as somewhat of an underdog, has turned heads with his exceptional play throughout the week. The TCU alum is tied for sixth, marking one of his best performances on the PGA Tour. Springer’s rise up the leaderboard exemplifies the competitive depth of this year’s field.

Charlie Neibergall / AP

One of the highlights of the championship so far has been David Skinns’s course-record 60 during the first round. Though Skinns has struggled to maintain his initial momentum, currently tied for 44th, his performance on Thursday will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the tournament.

As Sunday approaches, Keith Mitchell will need to display the confidence and determination required to close out a win against a talented field. He will need to play calculated golf, understanding when to take risks and when to be conservative. The final round is set to be a thrilling showdown, with Mitchell, Hossler, and the rest of the contenders all striving to make their mark.

Whether Mitchell can capture the Sanderson Farms Championship trophy or if one of the chasing pack will rise to the occasion is still uncertain. For fans, the anticipation is building, and all eyes are on the Country Club of Jackson as the final chapter of this year’s tournament unfolds. The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship has already provided an exhilarating showcase of high-caliber golf, and the final day promises even more drama and excitement.

Stay tuned as we await the final results and see who will emerge victorious in this thrilling battle for the Sanderson Farms Championship title.

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