Andrew Redington
Michael Block’s stunning performance at the 2023 PGA Championship has led to sponsor dollars and teaming up with celebrities such as DJ Khaled. But if you thought his magical run was over, think again.
The California club pro made a scouting trip to next year’s PGA venue — and he left with a share of a long-held course record.
Block teed it up at Valhalla Golf Club on Thursday and went low yet again. Real low. With an eagle and seven birdies, the 47-year-old fired a nine-under-par 63 to match the mark of two-time Masters champ Jose Maria Olazabal from the 2000 PGA Championship. Have a look at this sweet scorecard:
“Blockie”! Love it.
Block became a sensation in May at Oak Hill when he played his way into contention, made a spectacular hole-in-one on Sunday, and finished in the top 15 to qualify for next year’s event. He’s made a number of public appearances since, including helping DJ Khaled win his inaugural charity golf tournament.
And while Block acknowledged shooting 63 in a practice round and under easier scoring conditions is a lot different than doing it during a major, he did make his last few birdies with the cameras rolling. Here are a few highlights and a post-round interview from the surprise golf star of 2023:
“There’s cameras out there, but the camera doesn’t even faze me anymore,” Block said after. “Which if you talked to me a year ago, I’d be freaking out.”
Yep, the camera loves this guy now. And golf fans will be seeing even more of him when he returns to Valhalla in May.
