Michael Block’s crazy two weeks

By Neville Idour

In just two crazy weeks American club pro Michael Block has experienced it all when it comes to playing the professional game.

His remarkably consistent four rounds and 15th place at the PGA Championship in New York was dream stuff. So teeing it up the following week at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas he would have been feeling great and full of optimism. After all, this field was weak compared to the PGA field.

Such are the vagaries of golf, his first round 81 brought him back to Earth with an unkindly thud. Two birdies were obliterated by seven bogeys and a soul destroying run of three successive double bogeys on the last three holes. Understandably he broke down in tears and could not talk about it.

His much better second round 74 also included two birdies but two bogeys and two doubles saw him miss the cut in finishing last.

However, he was still a hit with the fans and simply could not believe the reception he received throughout his two rounds. A measure of the man was despite his disappointment he stayed after his second round for over two hours signing autographs and items for all the fans which was amazing.

Reflecting on an insane two weeks and the PGA he said he, his family, friends and fans, who came to watch, all had their return flights booked for the Saturday such were his modest expectations.

“Life changed a little bit since then and I have enjoyed every moment of it.”

So did we!!

Varner III streets the big names

Popular golfer Harold Varner III followed some good lead-up form with a fine win at the LIV Golf event in Washington.

centrating on good course management, playing for position to allow him to hit greens in regulation. This forced Kim to make birdies to win holes. The task was beyond him and Moore won 5 and 4 for a special win. His form certainly confirms his selection for the under-19 New Zealand team for the Junior World Cup in Japan from June 20-23.

May we had four winners.

Two recent top 10s and a 29th at the PGA were an indicator of something to come, and so it proved. Starting the final round Mito Pereira held a one shot lead over Varner with Henrik Stenson and Kevin Na third on 137. Sebastion Munoz was on 138 and Branden Grace 139. Pereira lost the lead after bogeying his first two holes. It became a three-horse race with Varner and a strong finishing