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

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.

“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.