Since the conclusion of the second major of the season, the United States Professional Golf Association (PGA) Championship, Michael Block (USA) has been in the spotlight even more than “winner” Brooks Koepka (USA). Playing as an invitational club professional rather than a tour player, Block competed against some of the best players on the world’s biggest stage, making the cut and finishing tied for 15th. Playing with superstar Rory McIlroy in the final round, he made a hole-in-one on the par-3 15th hole (151 yards) with a 7-iron tee shot.
“Block has received an offer of $50,000 (about $66,000) for the 7-iron he used to make a hole-in-one on the 15th hole in the final round of the PGA 메이저놀이터 Championship,” Golf.com reported on Thursday. Block’s ball didn’t even hit the flagstick, but went straight into the cup. “Ten years ago, I didn’t think I’d be making $50,000 a year,” Block said, adding that while he’s amazed at his newfound status, he hasn’t decided to sell the club.
Block’s clubs are also noteworthy: He plays a set of Tour Preferred MC irons that TaylorMade introduced in 2013, more than a decade after their introduction. His wedges and putters are also 20 years old. “As good as the new models are in every way, I feel more comfortable with the clubs I’ve always used, especially under pressure,” Block said.
Block is realizing his increased popularity. He’s received more than 1,600 congratulatory texts, which he says are “endless as you scroll down.” One of the texts came from “basketball emperor” Michael Jordan, who is known to be a golf fan. Block, who wore Jordan-branded spikes during the tournament, was thrilled, saying, “I was a kid saving $100 to buy Jordan shoes.”
He is also in talks to star in the golf documentary “Full Swing” on OTT platform Netflix. Netflix, which is in the midst of producing a second season of Full Swing after the hugely popular first season, reportedly highlighted Block at the tournament.
Block will continue his PGA Tour outings with invitations to the Charles Schwab Challenge and the RBC Canadian Open. Block said, “This is a dream. I’m just sailing. At this point, I’m just playing decent golf,” he said, adding that he plans to approach the challenge with a calm mind, saying, “If I sit and think about it too much, I’m not sure I’ll be able to swing on Thursday.”