Club pro Michael Block admits he hopes to avoid reality as long as possible after his US PGA Championship feats.
Block almost stole the show from the winner Brooks Koepka In Oak Hill, he punches a hole in the final round while playing side-by-side Rory McIlroy and draw in 15th place.
The 46-year-old’s performance captured the audience’s imagination, and his 15th-place draw secured his spot at next year’s US PGA in Valhalla, followed by invites for this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge on the PGA Tour and the Canadian Open in June.
“I’ve said that a lot, but it’s just a dream,” Block said at a pre-tournament press conference at Colonial.
“I’m just wandering around. I’m actually glad I didn’t come to the reality of what was going on at this point to be able to golf really pretty well.
“I think if I sit and think about it too much, I’m not sure I’ll be able to shake the stick on Thursday.
“A lot is going on and I truly apologize to all my friends, fans, and PGA members who texted me. I’m sorry I couldn’t get back to you.
“I literally swipe and swipe and swipe and it never ends. I can’t even get to the bottom of any of my feeds to see how many or who saw me. So it’s been crazy.”
Among the messages Block was able to reply to was a message from his hero. michael jordanThe former basketball star told Block that his performance was “why he loves the game of golf so much.”
“I am older Jordan man all my life,” Block said. “When I was a little kid in Iowa, I was saving $100 for a pair of Jordan shoes at the time. Pretty cool to say the least.”
Block also revealed that he became friends with baseball star Albert Pujols after he was matched in a golf tournament. California and will attend her wedding in the Dominican Republic in December.
And while he’s understandably never received much attention before, he’s been in pro play long enough to understand how pro play works.
“I’ve wandered around in little bits and pieces here and there in an oddly small way over the last 10 years,” Block said. “So I am somewhat relaxed.
“Now it’s so weird when I come through a door and the guys at the door shout ‘Block Party’ as I pass and the guy making me an omelette knuckles and says I did a great job last week.
“I mean, this is the part that’s a bit over my head at this point. So it’s great, but I’m trying to enjoy it.
“I really don’t know what the future will bring. I’m not trying to predict what will happen. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing.
“I’m coming on Thursday and I’m making t-shirts with my friend Min (Woo Lee), it’s great – a very comfortable pairing – and just have fun. Whatever comes from within comes from him. One way or another, I will enjoy it. Either way I have a great life so it’s good in every way.
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