(Fort Worth) Californian Michael Block was living a dream at the PGA Championship. Thursday’s round at the Colonial club brought him down to earth.
Block bogeyed his first three holes and finished with three double bogeys on his last four holes at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
The club professional finished the round at 81 or 19 shots from the leader, Harry Hall (62).
“If you’re a golfer, you’ve had this type of day before,” Block said of his worst score by seven strokes in his four PGA Tour events this year. It’s like that and I’ll live with it. I’m not surprised, to be honest. »
Harris English shot 65, one shot better than Tom Hoge, Adam Schenk, Robby Shelton and Andrew Putnam.
Scottie Scheffler, who reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the world with a second-place finish at the PGA Championship, is among many at 67, including defending champion Sam Burns.
Jordan Spieth didn’t make his only birdie until the eighth hole, and started the tournament with a 72.
Hall changed his routine this week, playing 36 practice holes at Colonial.
“Maybe that’s the key, to see a little bit more of the field than I’ve seen in the past,” Hall said. I didn’t do much different. I just played a little simpler. »
“I was really focused in the moment and determined to play good golf,” Hall said.
Block was going through a great streak including a hole-in-one at the PGA Championship, where he finished 15e — earning a place in the next edition of the tournament.
He played with Justin Rose on Saturday and Rory McIlroy on Sunday.
“I want to play good golf (Friday), Block said. I will give everything. If I manage to qualify, excellent. Otherwise, I see my children and my wife Friday evening at home. I’m winning one way or another. »
The only Canadian in the tournament is Nick Taylor, who brought home a 71 card.