What does the bar tab look like for a club professional who became a household name — and shooter of an ace in the final round — at a major golf championship?
Michael Block, thankfully, didn’t have to pay.
Block, who became a fan favorite at the PGA Championship last weekend at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, revealed that he had a few celebratory drinks after his memorable round, but also shared that the beverages were comped. That was something he was grateful for, not over the price, necessarily, but because he suspected the eventual tournament winner, Brooks Koepka, would’ve been looking to put drinks on Block’s tab.
“Well, as far as I know, it was all hosted,” Block said during an appearance on “CNN This Morning” on Monday. “I definitely had a couple, and I was lucky that Brooksie went away because I knew Brooksie was going to put it all on my tab for sure. It was a good moment. I was lucky enough to have Brooks Koepka win and he’s such a great guy and everyone was, the whole week.”
Block finished the PGA Championship 1 over, which placed him in a tie for 15th, captivating golf fans around the country. The 46-year-old is a golf instructor at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California.
Michael Block poses for photos after the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. (Photo: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
He also revealed that he had previously charged his students $150 per hour during his lessons. Of course, as he became the feel-good story of the PGA Championship, many assumed his rate would increase. His clients, though, seem to be safe, for now.
“Yeah, I have a feeling my wife is going to make me charge more,” Block told CNN. “It has been great. I don’t know, I kind of feel bad about charging more for a golf lesson. I’m pretty good with 150-an-hour no matter what.”
During Sunday’s final round, Block aced the par-3 No. 15 hole with a shot that he dunked straight into the cup, without even hitting the flagpole. The hole-in-one brought Block’s score to even-par after his up-and-down round.
Block was paired with Rory McIlroy, the No. 3 player in the Official World Golf Ranking and four-time major winner. After Block sunk his shot at 15, McIlroy went over and gave him a hug as both players smiled. Block, seemingly in disbelief, was caught on the broadcast saying: “That didn’t go in, did it? No, no. No way. No way.”
How much money did Michael Block win?
Thanks in part to that ace on No. 15, in addition to a par save up-and-down on the final hole of the tournament, Block finished in a tie for 15th place, which earned him $288,333 for the PGA Championship.
Will we get to see more of Michael Block?
Yes. Block received a sponsor exemption into this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. And, with his 1-over 71 in the final round Sunday to finish tied for 15th, he secured an automatic qualification to next year’s tournament at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
“I’m living the dream,” Block said through tears during his post-round interview on the CBS broadcast. “I’m making sure I’m enjoying this moment, I’ve learned that after my 46 years of life. It’s not going to get better than this, there’s no way. No chance in hell. So I’m going to enjoy this and thank you.”
