In the golf community, 49-year-old Michael Block, a club professional from Mission Viejo, California, has gained a lot of admiration. Block had won over fans with his incredible performance at the 2023 PGA Championship, when he finished T15 and struck a remarkable hole-in-one. Despite not making the cut at the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Block’s charm and passion for the game remained apparent.

His reputation has only grown due to encounters with golf greats like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. But as we know, Tiger Woods is no stranger to trash talk. From his legendary 9&8 thrashing of Stephen Ames at the 2006 WGC-Match Play—after Ames questioned Woods’s driving accuracy—to playful jabs at fellow pros like Phil Mickelson, Woods has a knack for delivering sharp one-liners that leave a mark. In a classic discussion, Woods joked, “Do you want me to use one of my U.S. Open medals?” in response to Mickelson’s request that he mark his ball. Woods doesn’t hold back when he texts; following Justin Thomas’s incredible 2017 season, Woods wrote, “Congrats. Now do that nine more times.” Thus, known for his sardonic humor and trash talk, Tiger once made fun of Block, leaving supporters to question why Block didn’t do the same. Instead, Block embraced the situation and showed humility and admiration for the sport’s legends. So, let’s check out Block’s decision to choose grace over retribution in detail.

In a candid moment shared on Golf Digest’s Instagram, Michael Block recounted a day that would be a dream for any golfer. During the WWT event in Cabo San Lucas, not only did Tiger Woods talk trash to him, but Jack Nicklaus also sank a 30-foot putt using Block’s putter to win the Pro-Am. Woods had suddenly appeared behind Block while he was trying to make a shot over a sand wedge in the first hole of the event, Block said. “I didn’t even know he was even there, and I just hear somebody while I’m over the shot go ‘do you ever f—ing work?'” Block described it as, “Probably one of the coolest things that happened… in the same day.” He added, “I almost feel like I wish I would have had a camera crew just following me for this whole year because for it to happen to anyone, much less a middle-aged club professional, is crazy.”

The humorous tone of the interaction was highlighted by the Instagram caption, “Getting roasted by Tiger Woods was never even in Blockie’s dreams.” Instead of being defensive, Block’s reaction was sincere amazement and joy at the encounter. To further highlight how remarkable his trip has been for a middle-aged club professional, he even reflected on how he wishes he had a camera team following him to film such incredible experiences.

Block’s response demonstrates his humility and admiration for the sport’s greats. He saw the encounter as a badge of honor rather than a slight, which made him even more likable to fans and solidified his position as a well-liked personality in the golf world. While that unforgettable day with Tiger and Jack was surreal, Block’s return to Quail Hollow reminded everyone why they love him.

Block is still basking in the PGA spotlight

Michael Block’s return to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow didn’t mirror his 2023 Cinderella story. After rounds of 75 and 82, he missed the cut by 14 shots. Yet, his presence remained a highlight for many. On the par-5 seventh hole, after landing his drive on the green, Block turned to the crowd and took a theatrical bow, embracing the moment despite his score.

Block clearly had a soft spot for the fans. “I love crowds. That’s kind of the funny part is I wish there was a huge crowd on every hole because that’s when I hit my shots. I really do. I always do. It’s the weirdest thing. When there’s no one around is when I hit my worst shots,” he revealed. His bond with the crowd was unwavering, as cries of “Blockie!” could be heard all throughout the event.

Block recognized the difficulties presented by the competition and the route after considering his performance. He noted, “The course obviously wasn’t suited for me at all. Zero roll and firm greens was a very bad combination for a 49-year-old that carries it 270.” Regardless of the result, Block’s love for the game and his gratitude for the opportunity were evident, and both fans and other players were deeply impacted.