Home

Golf

‘Wasn’t Throwing Shade at Rory at All’: Days After Preposterous Comparison with Rory McIlroy, PGA Championship Hero Michael Block Comes Clean on His Controversial Comments

Published 06/09/2023, 8:39 AM EDT

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

For a brief period, Michael Block became the darling of the golf world. The PGA club professional made it big at the season’s second major championship, which earned him applause from fans all over the world.

However, a rather preposterous statement from Block while comparing his game to superstar Rory McIlroy left a foul taste in the golf community. The veteran has sought to clarify his comments but didn’t rule out a chance to boast about his putting game.

Michael Block clears up Rory McIlroy comparison

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Having experienced a whirlwind PGA Championship weekend at the Oak Hills course, Block became an immediate fan favorite due to his fairytale story. The club pro was invited to various talk shows and media channels following the event, which turned him into a household name.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Golf stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, it looks like the newfound fame sparked Block’s arrogance. During one of his many show appearances, Block openly claimed that he’d be one of the best players in the world if provided with McIlroy’s ball-striking distance.

via Imago

Eventually, the statement was condemned by thousands of supporters, who turned against their beloved golfer. In yet another appearance at a show, this time at the ‘Subpar’ podcast, Block stated what he actually meant during the conversation.

“I definitely got misinterpreted on that one for sure,” he said. “And I meant nothing… I wasn’t throwing shade at Rory at all. That guy is an absolute stud.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Subpar (@golf_subpar)

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Does Michael Block still consider himself one of the world’s best at longer distances?

Furthermore, the PGA Championship hero asserted whether he’d be a better player if not for his shabby distance hitting. While he stayed clear of making another controversial statement, Block stayed put to his strengths.

“Would I be higher ranked than I am right now, being that much longer? Absolutely. How much higher? I have no idea,” he claimed. “I’m 577 in the world right now. I’d definitely be in the top 500 if I had 60 more yards every single tee shot.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Since his T-15 finish at the PGA Championship, Block has failed to make the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge after gaining an exemption to the event. Can he improve upon his performances in the events to come? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Watch This Story | Michael Block reveals the implications of Brooks Koepka’s warning after $288,333 PGA Championship finish

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by:

Sharan Nair

837Articles

One take at a time

Sharan Nair is a Senior Golf Writer at EssentiallySports. He constantly covers the ongoing PGA vs LIV Golf tussle as it progresses. With over 600 articles to his name, Sharan masters the sport with his in-depth knowledge and research that is reflected in his meticulous coverage of all the Majors.
Show More>

Edited by:

Sheldon Pereira

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT