2023 PGA Championship hero Michael Block endures a dreadful start to his 2024 campaign at Valhalla

Michael Block, appearing for his sixth PGA Championship, had a dreadful start to his 2024 campaign at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. He made a quadruple bogey at the second hole which did not meet the expectations of his fans.

The player seems to have made just one memorable shot at Valhalla. In contrast, Michael hit a hole-in-one at the 15th hole in the PGA Championship last year, while playing alongside one of the champions, Rory McIlroy.

In an interview before the 2024 tournament, Michal Block had said (via Golf Channel):

"I learned that my game can compete, it can hang, but to do it and how that happened I know it's not gonna happen again, those expectations I know it's not gonna happen right now... I have to make the cut again I have to kind of draw back to what I was thinking... I just want to have fun, hopefully have a great pairing, and have a good time with my caddie. If I have a good time I'll probably play well."

Before returning to Valhalla Block also spoke on the course saying (via Golfweek):

“Valhalla is just a spectacular track, I have not heard one negative thing said from any player or caddie this entire week. Only positives. It’s very fair. … I’m excited to get out there and tee it up.”

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Michael Block's memorable shot at the 2023 PGA Championship

Last year on the PGA Championship, Michael Block hit an ace on 15 which helped Block lead on T15, earning $288,333. Michael defended against the best players, sinking an 8-foot par putt on hole 18 in round 2.

In fact, Michael was himself shocked and said on CBS Sports;

“I didn’t really see it, I knew it was at the pin, I had no idea it went in. … Then Rory [McIlroy] comes over and gives me a hug. I’m like, ‘Why’s Rory giving me a hug?’ I really walked down another 20-30 yards and I looked back and him and went, ‘Did that go in the hole?’ because everyone’s going crazy.”

It was a a life-changing moment for Block at the Valhalla 2023. The Golf Club pro had only earned $75,000 but after this miracle, he bagged $309,000, finishing in the 15th position, and was in the limelight more than the winner of the tournament, Brooks Koepka.

Michael Block signing autograph at Charles Schwab Challenge 2023 (Image via Getty)

After his performance in 2023, Block got a call from the director of the PGA Championship, offering him an exemption. He broke down in tears. Many golf fans have supported Michael after his performance at the Championship last year.

A documentary on Block, One Moment in Time: Michael Block's Miracle in May, was also aired on 11 May this year. The documentary explores Michael Block's journey including his unforgettable performance at the 2023 PGA Championship.