Michael Block Matches Course Record on Scouting Trip to 2024 PGA Championship Venue

Block posted a 9-under 63 at the Valhalla Golf Club, which will host the 2024 PGA Championship.

If you thought Michael Block’s name wouldn’t make headlines until he returns to a national stage at next year’s PGA Championship, think again. 

Block, the 46-year-old head professional from Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, stunned the golf world earlier this year at Oak Hill when he finished T15 to qualify for next year’s PGA Championship at Valhalla. Block secured PGA Tour tournament sponsors exemptions, new endorsement deals, and of course, instant social-media fame with the legendary performance, which included a final-round hole-in-one. 

Now, Block is already getting his game in prime shape for a second major-championship success story, as he took a scouting trip to next year's Louisville, Kent., host site and had quite a day. 

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Block shared on Instagram that he shot a 9-under 63 during the practice round, a number that would tie Valhalla's course record. 

The record has been held by Spain’s Jose Maria Olazabal since the 2000 PGA Championship, which Tiger Woods ultimately won. 

Block posted a front-nine 31 and back-nine 32 en route to the 63, which included seven birdies and an eagle on the 600-yard par-5 7th hole. 

Block might have been taking a casual scouting trip, but his round was still documented by several onlookers. 

The club pro even gave a brief post-round interview, where he admitted that his 63 was shot under much easier circumstances than those which he’ll encounter next May in the PGA Championship. 

Michael Block just tied the course record @ValhallaGolf with a 63 this afternoon as he got a look at the course ahead of the 2024 @PGAChampionship.

Here are his last three birdie putts... and we got a chance to catch up with him after the round. @WHAS11 pic.twitter.com/4zjC6DmsDB

— Kent Spencer (@WHAS11Kent) August 17, 2023

“The rough is down right now, the greens are probably two feet slower than they’ll be and a little softer due to the heat right now. So it was great, playable conditions, had a great time. I had a great group. I had a great caddie, and all of those things combined equalled a 63,” Block said. 

In 2024, the pros will tee it up at Valhalla from May 13-19. The tournament will mark the Kentucky venue’s fourth PGA Championship.