Michael Block’s week at Aronimink may be coming to an early end, but the beloved club pro isn’t ready to close the book on his major championship journey. After posting a 5-over 75 on Friday—falling outside the projected cutline—the 49-year-old remains resolute that this is far from his final appearance on golf’s biggest stage.
“I have to be honest with you, this isn’t my last PGA Championship. No chance,” Block said, speaking with SiriusXM PGA Tour’s Jason Sobel. “I will definitely qualify for one more, if not five more. There’s no doubt about that.”
Block’s confidence comes from a place of proven resilience. The head pro at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Southern California captured hearts during the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, where he finished T15—one of the closest any club pro has come to claiming the Wanamaker Trophy. That Cinderella run turned him into a fan favorite, and he carried that momentum into Thursday’s opening round at Aronimink, firing an even-par 70 that left him just three shots off the lead.
His strong start was fueled by a pep talk he gave himself during a bathroom break on the back nine. “I said, ‘You got this. You’re actually pretty good, buddy,’” Block recalled. “I’m playing with Dustin Johnson, one of my idols, and Rasmus Højgaard, who’s ranked 63rd in the world. They both hit it 50 yards by me on every shot, and I’m just going, ‘You got this, bud, you got this.’”
Friday, however, proved more challenging. Block struggled to find his rhythm, carding a 75 that likely ended his week. But true to his unshakable spirit, he’s already looking ahead. “I’m going to grab lunch and an IPA while I wait,” he joked, before doubling down on his determination to return. “There is no way on god’s green earth this is my last PGA Championship.”
For fans who’ve followed his journey from local pro to major contender, Block’s unwavering belief is exactly why he’s become a cult hero in the sport. Whether it’s through qualifying events or another surprise run, one thing is certain: we haven’t seen the last of Michael Block on the major stage.