Club pro Block authors feel-good PGA Championship story

ROCHESTER, New York : Michael Block's Cinderella run at the PGA Championship did not end in victory but the club professional left a lasting impression at Oak Hill, highlighted by a hole-in-one on Sunday that will stand as the signature moment of the tournament.

Block was one of 20 teaching professionals in the starting field but the 46-year-old American played like he belonged with the elite and was a fan favourite throughout the week.

After he earned a top-15 finish to qualify for next year's PGA Championship at Valhalla, Block could barely believe what was happening.

"I'm living a dream. I'm making sure that I enjoy this moment," an emotional Block said after finishing one-over for the tournament on a week when only 11 players broke par.

"I've learned that after my 46 years of life that it's not going to get better than this, there's no way. No chance in hell. So I'm going to enjoy this."

Down-to-earth and personable, Block teaches golf at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo and played this week with his personal mantra, "WHY NOT?" imprinted on his golf balls.

Adoring galleries latched on to Block all week at Oak Hill and tried to will him to the most unlikeliest of victories, much like John Daly's stunning triumph at the tournament in 1991.

"I'm like the new John Daly, but I don't have a mullet, and I'm not quite as big as him yet," said Block.

"I'm just a club professional, right? I work. I have fun. I have a couple boys that I love to play golf with. I have a great wife. I have great friends. I live the normal life."

'CLOUD NINE'

There was nothing normal about Block's final round, with his tee shot at the par-three 15th soaring through the air and slamming into the hole without even touching the green.

The hole-in-one