Michael Block, the charismatic club professional who stole hearts at the 2023 PGA Championship, is making another return to golf’s grand stage. The 48-year-old from California has officially qualified for the 2025 PGA Championship, which will be held this May at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A full-time teaching pro at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Block isn’t your typical tour player but that’s exactly what makes his story so special. Known for balancing golf lessons with elite competition, he’s proven once again that the dream of playing at the highest level is alive and well for club pros across the country.
Block secured his place in the major after a standout performance at the PGA Professional Championship, finishing tied for 3rd. His 4-under-par total across four rounds put him comfortably inside the top 20 — the cutoff for non-tour pros to earn a PGA Championship invite.
What makes this run even more meaningful? He did it with his son, Ethan, on the bag. Block credited the experience not only as a competitive highlight but also as a personal one, sharing valuable lessons about strategy, consistency, and staying calm under pressure.
Block’s story continues to highlight what makes the PGA Championship unique — it’s the only major that opens its doors to working professionals, not just full-time tour players. His journey is a reminder that greatness can come from anywhere, even from a local pro shop.
As we look ahead to Quail Hollow, the golf world will be watching to see if Block can summon more of the magic that made him a fan favorite. But regardless of the outcome, one thing’s certain: he’s already a champion in the hearts of golf lovers everywhere.
