Michael Block missed losing at the Colonial in his first start since bursting onto the scene at the PGA Championship, though the physically exhausted club pro is happy to be back home after a whirlwind trip during which he became an overnight sensation.
The 46-year-old Block received a sponsor’s exemption at this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. He was unable to repeat the magic that earned him a wicket in the 15th in last week’s major at Oak Hill.
Block earned a 4-over 74 on Friday, a seven-shot improvement on his inaugural PGA Tour event but left him in last place when he left the Colonial Country Club.
After the emotional rollercoaster of the past week, Block said it’s still too early to exhale.
“I’m not going to drop everything off until I’m probably in—when I get to my house and sit in the backyard—no, I can’t talk about that stuff right now,” Block said. “My black lab is messy, he’s waiting for me. I haven’t seen him in almost two weeks, and I can’t wait to get home and throw a ball with him.”
Block, the chief pro at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, was a virtual unknown when he arrived at the PGA Championship just over a week ago. Over the course of four days, he captivated the golf world with his performance.
Even Block didn’t have such high expectations. He booked a flight at 10am ET this past Saturday morning. Instead, he was playing in the third round as a sophomore.
“So, at the very least, for me to finish 15th and make the difference and be there on Sunday and all that happened is crazy because we were all going home on Saturday morning, which obviously didn’t happen,” Block said. “Life has changed quite a bit since then, and I’ve enjoyed every moment.”
At Colonial, Block produced some highlights – a close-range, great shot at bridge to save par – but he struggled for the most part, especially from the tee where he was usually accurate, and last week’s physical toll was evident.
Block said, “I think I felt the wrath of the golf gods this week, which I get. I totally get it, and I don’t blame them for that because they did a lot of positive things for me last week.” He has also been invited to the RBC Canadian Open, which begins on June 8th.
“I got it. I wasn’t surprised at all by my kicks and whatever else happened, lies. It is what it is, and I’m moving on.”