Who is Michael Block? Meet the golfer taking aim at best finish at PGA Championship by club pro

One of the beautiful things about the game of golf is that it is unpredictable, even on its biggest stages. Case in point, the 2023 PGA Championship.

Many entered the event expecting that Masters champion Jon Rahm would be among those excelling on the Oak Hill Country Club course. Instead, he barely made the cut and will be an afterthought in Sunday's final round. 

But one of the golfers who didn't struggle over the first three days of the tournament was Michael Block.

Block is at even par after 54 holes played and finds himself in the top 10 entering the final round. At one point, he was just a single shot off the lead, an impressive feat.

Despite Block's success, many have not heard of the 46-year-old. So, who exactly is Michael Block? Here's what to know about the PGA professional as he puts together an impressive run at the 2023 PGA Championship.

LIVE: Live results, highlights from PGA Championship Round 4

Who is Michael Block?

Michael Block is a 46-year-old golfer who has appeared in 24 PGA Tour events over his career. He has made the cut in just four of those events, and his even-par showing over the first two days of the 2023 PGA Championship allowed him to make a cut at a major tournament for the first time.

When Block isn't playing on the odd PGA Tour event, he works as the head PGA professional at his home club of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California. He charges $125 for a 45-minute lesson as a golf instructor, per Joe Pompliano,

Block is a Missouri product and is playing in his fifth PGA Championship in 2023. So, he entered the event with plenty of experience, even if he wasn't expected to make much noise during the contest.

Perhaps we should have expected better of Block. After all, he was named the 2022 PGA Professional Player of the Year, which was an immense honor for him as he detailed after winning it.

“This was one of my last bucket list dreams," he said, per Golf Monthy. "That’s why I made it a priority to make it to Florida to seal it up. Once I did have the lead, I didn’t want to lose it again as I had in the past by not playing in the Tournament Series events. I have a very supportive management at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. There’s no way I could have done this and been gone as much as I am from home if I didn’t have my wife and kids’ support as well.”

Now, Block has checked another dream off the list by making a cut at one of the four PGA Tour majors. And now, he may have a chance to make a push for the tournament title, though it won't be easy to attain.

MORE: Inside Bryson DeChambeau's majors timeline

What is a PGA professional?

Simply put, a PGA professional is a member of the PGA who has completed a three-year training program that involves teaching one how to coach golf, perform first aid and other qualifications about the game of golf.

But as Golf Monthly points out, the term "PGA professional" is a title that can refer to a wide variety of careers within golf.

PGA Professionals work in coaching, managing, retail, administration and manufacturing. From designing courses to coaching an elite player – there are hugely exciting options to explore.

In Block's case, he is a PGA professional who largely works as a coach and teaches at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. He also plays in tournaments and qualifiers that allow him to play the occasional event on the PGA Tour.

MORE: How Bryson DeChambeau lost weight after health problems

Has a PGA professional ever won the PGA Championship?

No, a PGA professional has never won the PGA Championship in the modern era of golf. In fact, Block is just the second PGA professional to be within the top 20 after 36 holes at the major over the last 20 years, per the PGA Championship.

Block couldn't believe that stat when he was initially told about it.

"Don't make me cry.," Block said. "No seriously, it was my last little goal that I had for my career. And to make it happen is really cool. And for all the support I have, it's fantastic. And for the 29,000 PGA pros out there, thank you."

"Don't make me cry." Michael Block achieved a lifelong goal today. ❤️

Block is only the second PGA Professional in the last 20 years to be inside the top 20 through 36 holes.#CorebridgexPGA | @scpga pic.twitter.com/O9OEJKR4hI

— PGA of America (@PGA) May 19, 2023

Block was taken aback after Round 3 as well, when he was told he would be paired with Rory McIlroy for the final round.

Michael Block will be paired with Rory McIlroy in the final round of the PGA Championship tomorrow.

His reaction to finding out will make you smile 😊 pic.twitter.com/hjs6G8Nopj

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 21, 2023

Best PGA professional finishes at PGA Championship

Block will have a chance to log one of the best PGA Championship performances by a PGA pro ever if he continues to play solidly during the weekend.

Only seven PGA pros have ever finished inside the top 30 over the tournament's history. Block enters the final round tied for eighth with Justin Suh, so if he can maintain his steady form for one more day, he could very well end up making history. 

Below is a look at the PGA professionals who have logged top-50 finishes at the PGA Championship:

Block seems to have a fairly good grasp of how to unwind after his rounds at Oak Hill. After Round 2, he explained exactly how he was going to prepare for the weekend's action. 

"Have lunch and an IPA while watching the coverage on TV," Block said when asked about his plans after making the cut.

Block posted his third consecutive round of 70 on Saturday, so it seemed to work.