Michael Block and his 18-year-old son, hoping to become just the sixth known father-son duo to play in the same U.S. Open, both failed to secure a spot in the tournament during final qualifying Monday.
Block, the club pro from Southern California who thrilled golf fans with a hole-in-one and 15th place finish at the recent PGA Championship, fell two shots shy during a final qualifying event in Canada.
His son Dylan finished 10-over at the 36-hole competition at Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles.
“He’s got the game,’’ Michael Block said of his son during a phone interview. “I’ve got the game. But, at the same time, you have to have the game on the right day and the right time.’’
Dylan Block, in a field of 89 players vying for five spots, opened with a 10-over 81. He rallied with an even-par 71, which still left him 19 strokes off the cut, behind the five players who secured spots for the U.S. Open.
“I’ll take the second round after doing what I did in the first round,’’ he texted later.
Said his father, “It’s his first time of really being under the gun so you have to learn how to become comfortable with the spotlight and people out there expecting things out of you.
“It’s a good experience for him and I’m proud of him.’’
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Michael Block, playing among 27 players vying for three spots, shot 5-under 69-66 at Lambton Golf & Country Club in Toronto. Originally scheduled to play at Hillcrest Country Club, he played at the lone Canadian site because he was given a sponsor’s exemption for the RBC Canadian Open that starts Thursday.
“I’m back to normal,’’ said Block, who the week after the PGA Championship missed the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge after shooting a 15-over 81-74. “I got my legs underneath me. I feel good. I feel really good about going into the Canadian, for sure.’’
Though it won’t happen at the U.S. Open, Michael Block said he wouldn’t be surprised if he and his son end up playing in the same pro tournament over the next two years.
“Like I heard LeBron wants to play a couple of games with his son, Bronny, right?’’ Michael Block said. “It’s kind of the same thing with me. For me to play with Dylan in a Tour event would be a lifelong dream.’’
