ST. LOUIS – Former University of Missouri-St. Louis men's golfer Michael Block (1996-97) earned the 2022 PGA Professional Player of the Year Award on Thursday (Jan. 5). The award is presented by Rolex in conjunction with the PGA of America.
Block, the PGA Head Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, enjoyed a highlight-filled 2022 that included winning Southern California PGA Player of the Year and the Southern California PGA Professional Championship en route to earning the award.
"This was one of my last bucket list dreams," said Block. "That's why I made it a priority to make it to Florida to seal it up. Once I did have the lead, I didn't want to lose it again like I have in the past by not playing in the Tournament Series events. I have very supportive management at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. There's no way I could have done this and been gone as much as I am from home if I didn't have my wife and kids support me as well."
In April, Block finished T-2 in the PGA Professional Championship at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. He recorded rounds of 66-69-70-73 to finish at 5-under-par 278 and earn a spot in the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club last May. It was his fourth career PGA Championship appearance, and first since 2018
Block was a member of the U.S. team at the 30th PGA Cup, contested at Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey, England in September. He rallied from a four-hole deficit in the opening singles match on the final day to earn a crucial point and help the U.S. team win its first overseas PGA Cup since 2009.
He then won his third Southern California PGA Professional Championship title after posting a three-day total of 2-under-par 214 to win by five strokes at El Niguel Country Club.
Block concluded his stellar 2022 by winning Event No. 3 in the PGA Tournament Series at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He birdied the first playoff hole to defeat Vince Drahman after finishing at 10-under-par 134.
Other notable finishes for Block included second in the SCPGA's Stroke Play Classic #1, T–2 at the Stroke Play Classic #2 and T-2 at the California State Open.
He registered 1,007.50 points to receive the first national award of his career. Jesse Mueller of Phoenix, Arizona, finished second with 825.00. Ryan Vermeer of Omaha, Nebraska, (812.50) was third followed by Sean McCarty of Coralville, Iowa, (620.00) in fourth.
