​Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images. Michael Block has undeniable appeal and stands out as one of the most vibrant personalities in golf today. He’s been a major draw at the US Senior Open at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, this week. The 50-year-old Block sparks division within the golf world, yet his confidence is evident, and he’ll need every ounce of it as the weekend approaches in Ohio.
Block told reporters after his second round Friday that he has felt a warm welcome from fellow players at the US Senior Open, a sign that he belongs at this level. The Mission Viejo, California teaching pro possesses the game to contend at Scioto, but is he too far back to win?
When asked how he plans to approach the weekend, Block answered with focus. “Go deep; win. That’s all I’m here for,” he said. “I’m lucky to be here. This golf course is fantastic. I’ve managed to play well the first two days, frankly. I haven’t made many putts, maybe none. The game’s been about a C; C is being generous. If I can pull an A for the Saturday and Sunday rounds, I can contend.”
Block also discussed the greens, acknowledging they’re a major challenge. “It’s the greens. I’m trying to get comfortable, to be honest. If I knew the greens were this undulated and the speeds were so inconsistent—uphill at about 8, downhill at 13 or 14—I’m not used to that, and my feel is off for sure. Once that’s off, confidence falls, and when you lose confidence in your putting stroke or speed control, making birdies becomes tougher. I’ve been relying more on my full swing, which is usually the opposite.”
Asked how much an eight-shot deficit means heading into the weekend, Block called it a huge boost. “Huge. I’m not here to finish 40th,” he insisted. “I’m going to go out tomorrow and fire. I’ve made the cut, which was crucial, but I’m going to go out there and attack. I’ll hit every pin I can and be smarter. I won’t chase a tucked pin on the edge, but I’ll go after it. I aim to post a deep score tomorrow, put myself in contention for Sunday, and take it from there.”