Michael Block, known for his performance during Colonial Tears two years ago, managed a score of 68 in the ongoing Charles Schwab Challenge, aiming to qualify for the competition's cut.
Unleashing the Underdog: Michael Block's Second Chance at the Charles Schwab Challenge
Saddle up, folks! Michael Block, the lovable Cali club pro, is back in the spotlight. After a tearful 81 at the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge, Block put his game back on track with a impressive first-round 68, setting himself up nicely to make the cut this time around.
You might remember Block's captivating T15 finish and hole-in-one at the 2023 PGA Championship. This performance earned him an immediate exemption into the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial. However, his first attempt didn't go as planned, as he shot 81-74 to miss the cut. But this time is different, and Block is ready to prove himself.
If you've been following Block's journey, you've likely noticed that he's been a regular at PGA Tour tournaments since his Oak Hill fame. Colonial, in particular, has been a recurring destination. Last year, he played better with scores of 72-74, but although he improved, he still couldn't make the weekend. But this year, he's off to a flying start and has a real chance to make the cut.
Interestingly enough, Block's opening round of 68 was the same score achieved by the new PGA Championship winner, Scottie Scheffler, in his first round since winning his third Major! That's quite a feat for our underdog, wouldn't you agree?
However, things didn't go so great for Block at Quail Hollow, where he shot a disastrous second-round 82 to miss the cut and finish near the foot of the leaderboard on 15 over. But let's not dwell on the past. Block has a shot at redemption this time around, and he's determined to make it count.
Missed cuts have been a recurring theme for Block throughout his PGA Tour appearances, making just five in 33 tournaments. This trend continued after his PGA Championship fairytale run. But Block has proven that he can hold his own when given the chance. In 2023, he played four rounds on the DP World Tour at the Australian Open, finishing T27 in Sydney.
Now, Block is aiming to back up his opening 68 with a solid round to make his first PGA Tour cut since his new-found fame. Let's see if he can prove that he can mix it with the pros yet again.
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Footnote:
Block's performances at the Charles Schwab Challenge have been mediocre, with missed cuts in both 2023 and 2024. However, his recent invite to the tournament despite his struggles suggests that he still has support from sponsors, who might be banking on Block's popularity and previous performances. Fan reactions to his invitations have been mixed, with some questioning the selection process. Block continues to use unconventional equipment, and whether this will help him improve his performance remains to be seen.
Source:
- Golf Monthly. "PGA Tour: Charles Schwab Challenge - 2023 Live Commentary." https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/tour-news/pga-tour-charles-schwab-challenge-2023-live-commentary
- TaylorMade. "TaylorMade Stealth Driver | Breaking Limits." https://www.taylormade.com/en-us/golf/content/taylormade-stealth-driver-break-limits.html?utm_source=taylormadefooter&utm_medium=footer&utm_campaign=footerdropdown&utm_content=tmsd1
- Golf.com. "2023 Charles Schwab Challenge: Field, Sponsors, and Venue Info." https://www.golf.com/schedule/pga-tour/2023/05/25/charles-schwab-challenge-field-venue-sponsors
- ESPN. "Block misses the cut at Charles Schwab Challenge." https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/34091667/block-misses-cut-charles-schwab-challenge
- Golf Digest. "Michael Block Misses Cut at PGA Championship, But His Stint in the Spotlight is Far From Over."https://www.golfdigest.com/story/michael-block-misses-cut-at-pga-championship-but-his-stint-in-the-spotlight-is-far-from-over
Without a doubt, Michael Block's sport of choice is golf, as he continues his comeback attempt at the Charles Schwab Challenge. After a solid first-round 68, he inches closer to making the cut and perhaps demonstrating he belongs among the pros.