Block's World
PGA Championship 2023: Michael Block finding out he was paired with Rory is the video of the week
If you're sick of Michael Block content this week, A. you're a wet blanket and B. prepare yourself for some more A+ Michael Block content.
First, Block made the cut, the No. 1 goal of any club pro who earns the right to play in the PGA Championship. Then, he actually held up on Saturday, and by held up we mean he shot a third consecutive even-par 70, putting him in a tie for eighth heading into the final round. The club pro from Mission Viejo, Ca., now has a chance to play his way into the 2024 Masters and an opportunity to make some history on Sunday. It's Disney World-type stuff.
Block is soaking in every moment, even hitting up a local bar on Saturday evening after a magical round alongside Justin Rose, who clipped Block by just one stroke. Somehow, his week got infinitely better when he was paired with Rory McIlroy in the final round, which Block was informed of not long after his third round at Oak Hill. His reaction to the news happened to be captured on camera, and it's easily the video of the week, and possibly the month and year.
Man, this guy really knows how to (genuinely) ham it up. It really must all feel like a dream, hence Block going through every emotion possible in this clip. First, the disbelief—loved the "you serious, Clark?" energy here—then the laughter at the absurdity of it all, then the "wow, that should be fun." Yeah, we'd say so. McIlroy's looking forward to it, too, chiming in on Instagram with "Looking forward to it, Michael" in an Instagram comment.
As Golf Channel's Paul McGinley surmised on Saturday evening, this should be a very strong pairing for both, the theory being that Block has already handled himself well in a marquee grouping with Rose, and that he should be able to relax McIlroy as the Northern Irishman attempts to make another major charge. Of course, the way Block's played this week, he might have something to say about that, too. If you're the betting type, Block is a +360 underdog in a head-to-head against McIlroy on Sunday. The duo will be the fourth-to-last pairing off at 2 p.m. ET.
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