Michael Block may be buying into the hype.
Coming off an amazing PGA Championship in which the club pro finished tied for 15th and hit a hole-in-one in the final round, the 47-year-old has been living the dream — and its clearly a lofty one.
Block, who played his final round with Rory McIlroy, may have over-reached with comparison to the four-time major champion.
“He’s a lot longer than I am,” Block said about playing with McIlroy on the “Ripper Magoo Podcast” with Bob Menery this week. “What I would shoot from where Rory hits would be stupid. I think I’d be one of the best players in the world.
“Hands down. If I had that stupid length, all day. My iron game, wedge game, around the greens, and my putting is world-class.”
Despite his boasts, Block struggled in the opening round of the Charles Schwab Challenge on Thursday, firing an 11-over 81 — good for last place in the field.
McIlroy, a former World No. 1, has 23 wins on the PGA Tour, including four major wins.
He finished the PGA Championship at 2-under and tied for seventh, three shots better than Block 1-over on the weekend.
The two celebrated Block’s ace on the 15th hole at Oak Hill East in Rochester, and Block was appreciative of his time spent with the McIlroy.
“Rory was awesome. It is amazing. I am enjoying this moment,” Block said after the round. “I have learned this after 46 years of life. It is not going to get any better than this.”
Block may have qualified for the next year’s PGA Championship, but his post-round thought might turn out to be right.