Michael Block

Michael Block's Early Life and Background

Michael Block's golfing journey began in his early teens. Born in 1976, Block grew up in a few places, including Davenport, Iowa and the St. Louis area of Missouri. His adolescence was spent near the Bellerive Country Club, which fostered his interest in golf.

Block graduated from Parkway Central High School in 1994. He continued his college golf passion, attending Mississippi State University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He later obtained a degree in golf course management from the San Diego Golf Academy.

Michael Block's Amateur Golf Career

There isn't much readily available information specifically about Michael Block's amateur golf career.

Block played golf at both Mississippi State and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Block's career trajectory suggests a strong focus on entering the professional ranks. He competed in the 2007 PGA Tour Q-School shortly after finishing college, and his achievements point towards professional aspirations throughout his golfing journey.

Amateur wins

• 1996 Southern Indiana Invitational, Owensboro Intercollegiate

Michael Block's Professional Career

Michael Block's professional golf career uniquely combines club professional success and impressive competitive achievements.

Block's professional journey began in 1998 as an assistant professional at The Lakes Country Club in Palm Desert, California. He honed his skills there for six years (1998-2004). In 2004, Block transitioned to Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, where he holds the prestigious position of Head Golf Professional to this day. Block also earned his PGA of America membership in 2012, a significant milestone for club professionals.

Block actively pursued a path to the PGA Tour, competing in the PGA Tour Qualifying School (Q-School) in 2007. Block has established himself as a force in Southern California PGA. He has remarkably claimed the Southern California PGA Player of the Year title nine out of the last ten years (2013-2022, excluding 2017).

Block secured a significant victory in 2001 by winning the California State Open Championship.

Multiple Southern California PGA Championship Wins: Block has been highly successful in the Southern California PGA Championship, taking home the title four times: 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2023.

Block's dominance extends to match play, having conquered the Southern California PGA Match Play Championship four times: 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2023.

In 2014, Block won the prestigious PGA Professional National Championship, defeating Jamie Broce in a two-hole playoff. Block competed in the U.S. Open, a major championship, twice in his career: 2007 and 2018. 2023 proved to be a breakout year for Block on the national stage. He qualified for the PGA Championship for the sixth time and made the cut in a remarkable feat. He scored a combined 1-over par (70-70-70-71) across the four rounds and secured a tie for 15th place. This achievement marked the highest finish for a club professional in decades and earned him an automatic invitation to the 2024 PGA Championship.

Block represented the U.S. Team at the PGA Cup, a prestigious international competition for club professionals, in both 2015 and 2022. He played a pivotal role in securing victory for the U.S. team in 2022, overcoming a four-hole deficit in the opening singles match on the final day.

While 2023 was a breakout year for Michael Block at the PGA Championship, his journey to get there wasn't without setbacks. Despite being offered an exemption into the U.S. Open, Block fell short of qualifying by two strokes at the RBC Canadian Open. This near miss highlights the demanding nature of securing a spot in major championships. He wasn't deterred and continued his quest to play on the big stage. Block then attempted to qualify for the Open Championship, another major, through final qualifying events. Unfortunately, his efforts there weren't successful either.

However, Block's unwavering determination wasn't left unrewarded. By winning the Southern California section PGA Professional Championship, he secured a well-deserved spot in another prestigious PGA Tour event, The American Express.

Professional wins (6)

• 2001 California State Open

• 2014 PGA Professional National Championship

• 2017 Southern California PGA Championship

• 2018 Southern California PGA Championship

• 2022 Southern California PGA Championship

• 2023 Southern California PGA Championship

Michael Block's Playing Style

The following are some of Block’s on-the-field characteristics:

Solid Ball Striker: Block's success, particularly at the regional level, implies he's a consistent ball striker. He makes frequent good contact and keeps the ball in play off the tee and irons.

Course Management Expertise: Block has significantly honed his course management skills as a club professional. This involves strategic shot selection, club choices, and playing for position to minimise risk and maximise scoring opportunities.

Emphasis on Accuracy Over Power: Given his focus on club professional duties and regional competition, Block's game prioritizes accuracy over raw power compared to some touring professionals.

Adaptability: Block's success across various events suggests that he adapts his game to different course layouts and playing conditions.

Michael Block's Caddie

Michael Block's caddie for his impressive performance at the 2023 PGA Championship was John Jackson.

John Jackson is a full-time caddie at Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, California. This course is part of the prestigious Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA Tour.

Jackson played college golf for California State University, Monterey Bay. Interestingly, his team won the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships in 2011.

Michael Block's Golf Journey

Michael Block's golf journey uniquely combines club professional mastery and competitive triumph. Growing up near the prestigious Bellerive Country Club ignited his passion for the sport in his youth. While details about his college golf career are limited, his focus on professional ranks was evident early on, with a PGA Tour Q-School attempt shortly after graduation.

Block's path began in 1998 as an assistant professional, eventually becoming the Head Golf Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. He solidified his expertise by earning his PGA of America membership in 2012. He became a dominant force in Southern California PGA, claiming Player of the Year a staggering nine out of ten years. Victories in the California State Open, PGA Professional National Championship, and multiple Southern California PGA Championship and Match Play titles cemented his regional prowess.

Beyond regional success, Block twice competed in the U.S. Open and represented the U.S. Team in prestigious PGA Cup victories. The true turning point came in 2023. Block not only qualified for the PGA Championship for the sixth time but made the cut with an impressive performance. His tie for 15th place marked the highest finish for a club professional in decades, earning him an automatic invitation to the 2024 PGA Championship.

Michael Block's Majors

Michael Block's Ventures

Michael Block's recent surge in popularity has made him an attractive figure for endorsements.

The following are some of his recent endorsements:

Michelob Ultra: Block recently signed a deal with Michelob Ultra, a popular beer brand known for its association with golf and healthy lifestyles.

Dewar's Scotch Whisky: Another recent addition to Block's endorsement portfolio is Dewar's Scotch Whisky, an expansion beyond golf-specific brands.

Michael Block's Wife

Michael Block's wife is Val Block.

Val is Block's biggest supporter and frequently cheers him on during tournaments. She prefers a private life and avoids the spotlight. Not much is known about her profession or personal background.

She was born and raised in Argentina and the two have been together for almost two decades. The pair met sometime in the early 2000s at a party in Laguna Beach, California.

Michael Block's Children

Michael Block has two sons with his wife, Val.

His eldest son is Dylan Block (18 years old). Following in his father's footsteps, Dylan is passionate about golf and has shown impressive talent. He recently competed in the sectionals for the U.S. Open, demonstrating his golfing skills. His younger son is Ethan Block (16 years old). Not much information is available specifically about Ethan, but it's known that he also shares his father's love for golf.