Fan favorite Michael Block explains confidence heading into PGA Championship: 'I shot the course record'

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The 2000 PGA Championship saw José María Olazábal set the course record at Valhalla Golf Club with a 9-under 63 in his third round. 

Heading into the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla, every golfer would love to hit that mark. In fact, one of them actually did in August, and it’s not who you might expect. 

Michael Block, the club pro from Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, captivated the world of golf when he finished tied for 15th at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Golf Club this time last year. 

He not only made the cut, he hit a hole-in-one with Rory McIlroy as his partner in the final round Sunday and had a terrific up-and-down on the 18th hole to earn his spot in this year’s major. 

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Michael Block smiles and thanks fans on the 18th green during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club May 21, 2023, in Rochester, N.Y. (Keyur Khamar/PGA Tour via Getty Images)

After missing the cut in subsequent tournaments — the Charles Schwab Challenge and RBC Canadian Open — following the 2023 PGA, Block went to Valhalla, where he played with the owner of the club. 

He shot 63 in his first round. 

"I shot 63 the first day and 71 the second day with the owner," Block recalled to Fox News Digital following a round at Shell Bay Golf Club in Florida with Raising Cane's owner Todd Graves and the Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Ramsey. 

"Obviously, different conditions than a major, but still very similar. I love it. I love the golf course. I love everything about it. I love the people of Louisville. So, it can definitely be another party