Some day, if they make a movie about Michael Block’s life, one of the most emotional scenes will be a shot he hit Sunday at Oak Hill.
The 46-year-old club pro beat the odds to make the 105th PGA Championship, yet he’s played like he’s been on tour for years, as his tee shot on the par-3 No. 15 showed.
As Block’s seven-iron shot sailed straight for the hole, CBS announcer Jim Nantz solemnly intoned, “The fairy-tale story …” Then, as the ball dropped straight in the cup for a hole-in-one, Nantz finished his thought “… gets better!”
MICHAEL BLOCK!
HOLE-IN-ONE! pic.twitter.com/AGckvo8F7B
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) May 21, 2023
It is certainly the most stunning shot of Block’s stunning run through one of golf’s prestigious majors, but he’s had quite a few outstanding shots. With three straight even-par 70s, Block entered Sunday’s final round tied for eighth on the leaderboard.
“To say least, I’m living a dream,’’ Block told CBS Saturday. “My life feels like it’s changed a little bit. I’m still on Cloud Nine, just having a good time.’’
It’s a great Cinderella story from a regular old club pro — at a public course, no less.
With his final round 71 and top-15 tournament finish, Block earned an automatic exemption to play in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky.
Michael Block. What a story.
And with this performance, he's qualified for the 2024 PGA Championship. ⛳️pic.twitter.com/bYwRZWdAMo
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 21, 2023
Golf fans on Twitter loved Block’s incredible ace, and his great underdog story.
Love this guy… I’m in tears and I didn’t know about this guy until Thursday (5/18)… what a Fantastic story! I don’t think I’ve ever heard a ROAR that followed like this! Love this game!! ❤️👏⛳️😊
— Coach John Daly (@coachtosuccess) May 21, 2023
the story of the tourney
— john carelli (@carellijawn) May 21, 2023
Living the dream ⛳
— Bradley Kellmayer (@AthleticTiger) May 21, 2023
YOU CANT MAKE THIS UP! – – DESTINY
— Matt Gib (@Mgibby515) May 21, 2023
It’s a good thing he’s gonna pocket more than $75,000 cuz that bar tab tonight is gonna be a bit steep
— TheFibonaciDude (@FibonaciDude) May 21, 2023
Couldn’t happen to a better, more humble dude! Love. Block mania!
— Casty (@discjedi) May 21, 2023
[CBS Sports; Photo Credit: CBS]