Michael Block has some serious pulling power, and he is one of the most colorful characters in the professional game right now.
Block has been a big draw during the US Senior Open at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, this week.
The 50-year-old is somewhat of a divisive character on the golfing scene.
Michael Block certainly isn’t short of confidence, and he will need every bit of that heading into the weekend in Ohio.
Block admitted he has been warmly welcomed by the players at the US Senior Open this week, and that in itself would have made him feel like he belongs.
The teaching professional from Mission Viejo, California, has the game needed to contend at Scioto, but is he too far back?
Michael Block says whether he can still win the US Senior Open
Block addressed the media after his second round in Columbus on Friday.
He responded when asked by reporters how he plans to approach the weekend at the US Senior Open.
“Go deep; win. That’s all I’m here for,“ he said.
“I’m lucky to be here. This golf course is fantastic. I get to really play very well the first two days, to be very honest with you. I haven’t made very many putts, maybe any. The game’s been about a C; C is being generous.
“So if I can pull an A out for the Saturday and Sunday rounds, I can contend.“
So, is Block struggling with his stroke or are the greens proving to be too tricky for him?
“It’s the greens,“ he said.
“I’m just trying to get comfortable, to be honest. If I knew the greens were this undulated and the speeds were so off between uphill and downhill — that’s where I’ve been struggling because when it’s uphill, it’s rolling at an 8, and when it’s downhill, it’s rolling at a 13 or 14. So I’m not used to that, and my feels are off for sure.
“Once that’s off, you start losing some confidence. When you lose confidence in your putting stroke or your speed control, it becomes very difficult to make any birdies. I’ve just been relying on my full swing, which is normally the opposite.“
Michael Block says how he really feels about eight-shot deficit
Block responded when asked by one reporter how much of a boost it is for him to head into the weekend just eight back of the leader.
“Huge. I’m not here to finish 40th,“ Block insisted.
“I’m being serious. I’m going to go out tomorrow. I’ve made the cut, which was obviously very important, but at the same time, I’m going to go out there tomorrow, and I’m going to fire. I’m going to absolutely fire at every pin I can and be so much smarter.
“Obviously I’m not going to go right of a tucked pin, which I’ve seen a lot — you know, pins have been three off the edges. But I’m going to get after it.
“I’m going to shoot a deep number tomorrow, put myself in contention for Sunday, and go from there.“
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