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on May 21, 2023 in Exposure

Unless you are one of his family members or close friends, you likely may have never heard of Michael Block prior to this weekend.  But in the late afternoon of Sunday, May 21st, Block fired his way into the consciousness of millions of people.  A real-life Tin Cup played out before our very eyes.

The 46-year-old Block would come across as your “average person.”  He has been married for twenty years to his wife Val and has two children.  Block had long come to the realization he was not going to be a regular touring professional golfer.  He continued to participate in tournaments but primarily earned his living working as the club pro.  But after competing in 24 PGA Tour events and failing to make the cut in seven previous majors, Block’s time had finally arrived.

Hole 15

Watch what happened on the 15th Hole:

In an interview with CBS’s Amanda Renner, Block walked us through his amazing shot.

He said, “Played a 7-iron into the wind, couldn’t really see it.  I knew about the pin and had no idea it went in… They’re clapping and it must be pretty good and then Rory (McIlroy) gives me a hug and I’m like ‘Why’s Rory giving me a hug?’ It’s kind of weird. …  I walked about 20 or 30 yards and I’m like ‘ Did that go in the hole?’  People are going crazy… And the next thing I know it did.  I’ve never made a hole in one in a tournament in my entire life and to make it at that time, on Hole 15 with the crowd and everyone there and the support from the Rochester fans was probably the most surreal moment I’ve ever had in my life.”

Renner then showed him a video of family and friends watching the shot from his club in Mission Viejo, CA.  This video was shot by his son who could not be in attendance because he was sick.

Afterwards, a tearful Block said, “It’s amazing.  I’m living a dream.  I’m making sure I enjoy this moment.  I’ve learned that after my 46-years of life that it’s not going to get any better than this.  There’s no way.  No chance.  So I’m going to enjoy this and thank you.”

The Par On 18

As amazing as the hole-in-one was, there was work still left to do.  Block needed a par on Hole 18 to finish in the top fifteen.  Finishing in the top 15 would ensure Block an automatic spot in next year’s PGA Championship.  No qualifying would be necessary.  The following is what took place along with Jim Nance’s iconic call:

 

Block concluded his interview with Renner by saying, “Rory was awesome.  Everybody was awesome.  I can’t thank everyone enough for being so cool to me.  And cheers to the 29,000 PGA professionals in the world.  This is for you guys.”

7 Inspirational Leadership Lessons From Michael Block’s Hole In One Shot & PGA Championship Performance

The following are 7 Inspirational Leadership Lessons From Michael Block’s Hole In One Shot & PGA Championship Performance:

  1. Stay In The Game – Block never quit the sport he loved despite constantly not making it at the highest professional level.  Luck and good fortune favor the persistent.
  2. Stay Resilient – Keep working on your craft.  Do not give up.  Someone reading this post needs to hear this today.
  3. Be Prepared – John Wooden said, “When opportunity presents itself, it’s too late to prepare.”  When opportunity presented itself to Michael Block, he was ready and seized it.
  4. Gratefulness Is Attractive – What I found so heartwarming about Block was how grateful he was.  He thanked McIlroy, the fans, and even 29,000 other golfers.
  5. Celebration Happen Best With Others – Thousands in attendance were cheering for Block, as we his friends back home, and millions around the world.  Joy is a team sport.
  6. Talented, Grateful People Are Memorable – I kind of feel a little sorry for Brooks Koepka.  The five-time major champion won the tournament in very clinical fashion but was not the story.
  7. Talented, Grateful People Are In High Demand – Afterward, as you can see in the video below, Block received a surprising and moving invitation to participate in next week’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas.

Michael Block, we will see you next week in Texas and hope to see you on television for years to come.

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