American club pro Michael Block had a fairytale week at the 2023 PGA Championship. Not only securing a top-15 finish, but also found himself paired with Rory McIlroy for the final round, in which he even made a slam dunk ace on the par 3 15th hole. It literally was, a dream week.

The moment in the spotlight for Block opened a multitude of opportunities for the 48-year-old California resident. So much so, he has since received exemptions to play in events on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and next up the Asian Tour.

“Blockie” is the latest name confirmed to join a star-studded field for the International Series England at Foxhills Club & Resort as he prepares to peg it up alongside the likes of Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Anirban Lahiri in the $2 million prize purse tournament.

“I still need to pinch myself that I’m fortunate enough to be able to travel the world playing the sport that I love so much,” said Block.

“I believe The International Series is now one of the best possible avenues for any golf professional throughout the world and I have no doubt that you are going to see more and more budding American golfers doing their best to qualify and play in the International Series.

“The Asian Tour is getting exactly what it deserves in golfs global landscape. It’s been a great tour for a long time and it’s only getting better!

With the excitement forming amongst the stellar field, fans can see the top Asian Tour players plus a host of Major winners and Ryder Cup stars come together, adding to the tournaments anticipation.

“There is no doubt that the strength of the field will be strong, however this is what I live for, to play against some of the best players in the world and compare my game. I already have some practice rounds set up with John Catlin and Berry Henson who are buddies from the states, but I’ve always really looked up to guys like Poulter and McDowell and would love to get a game going with them on one of the days prior to the first round of competition.”

Foxhills

Block has pedigree at Foxhills. As a PGA club pro, he qualified for the 2022 PGA Cup in which his U.S. team came out victorious in a 15.5 – 10.5 victory over team Great Britain & Ireland on the Longcross layout. Memories he will be hoping to feed off.

“It was one of the best memories of my life, hands down! I will definitely be able to look back at that week and take a ton of positive thoughts from it which is so important in the game of golf.

“You must drive the ball well at Foxhills, it reminds me of Riviera back here in Southern California which you need to be able to move it both ways off the tee which is what I really enjoy doing. I’ve also heard that some improvements have been made to the course which I look forward to seeing!

“The clubhouse and facilities there at Foxhills is second to none and I can’t wait to get my hands on one of those sausage rolls at the turn!”

In what has been some year for Block, he isn’t wanting to stop the party just yet, as he continues to ride the wave of what the game of golf has delivered him.

“I wouldn’t change the last 13 months in any shape or form, but it’s definitely been a little more difficult to work on my game while traveling the world and yet, still running a golf course back in Southern California. Life is great!”

Main Image: Asian Tour