Michal Blok missed the Colonial in his first start since arriving on the PGA Championship scene, although the physically exhausted club pro is happy to return home after a tumultuous journey during which he became an overnight sensation.
Block, 46, obtained a sponsor waiver from participating in the Charles Schwab challenge in Fort Worth, Texas this week. He was unable to repeat the magic that had brought him share in 15th place in last week’s major in Oak Hill.
Block scored a 4-over 74 on Friday, a 7-shot improvement over his first round of the PGA Tour event, but still left him in last place when he left the Colonial Country Club.
After last week’s emotional rollercoaster, Block said it’s too early to take a breather.
“I’m not going to let it all out until I probably get to – when I get home and sit in the yard – no, I can’t talk about it right now,” Block said. “My black lab, Messy, is waiting for me. I haven’t seen him in almost two weeks and I can’t wait to get home and play football with him.”
Block, head pro at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, CA, was a virtual unknown when he arrived at the PGA Championship over a week ago. However, within four days, he delighted the golf world with his performance.
Even Block didn’t have such high expectations. He booked a flight at 10:00 EST for last Saturday morning. Instead, he played in the third round of this year’s second major.
“So, to put it mildly, for me to finish 15th and go up and be there on Sunday and whatever happened is crazy because we were all going home Saturday morning and that obviously didn’t happen,” said Block. “Life has changed a bit since then and I enjoy every moment.”
At Colonial Block, he had some great moments – almost an ace and a brilliant approach from the bridge to save the par – but mostly he struggled, especially off the tee where he’s usually accurate. The physical harvest of the past week was evident.
“I think I felt the wrath of the golf gods this week, which I understand. I totally understand that and I don’t blame them because they gave me a lot of positive things last week,” said Block, who was also invited to the RBC Canadian Open, which starts on June 8.
“I have it. I’m not even surprised. I’m not at all surprised by my kicks and whatever else happened, my lies. It is what it is and I’m moving on.”
