Michael Block of Mission Viejo simply keeps on going.
The 47-year-old Block claimed his fourth victory in what was the 99th Southern California PGA Championship by four strokes over Steve Saunders of Temecula at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.
“I rolled in a couple of putts down that final stretch, and the tide turned pretty quickly,” said Block, the 2022 PGA of America Professional Player of the Year. “I was lucky enough to come away with the trophy, and I’m grateful for all the support and comradery we have here in the Section.
“Thank you to Sherwood Country Club and Jeff Fowler for putting this event on and getting us out here. I rolled in a couple of putts down that final stretch, and the tide turned pretty quickly. I was lucky enough to come away with the trophy, and I’m grateful for all the support and camaraderie we have here in the SCPGA Section.”
Block, who also won this tournament in 2017, 2018 and last year, locked up SCPGA Player of the Year honors for the 10th time in 11 years by posting a score of 69-70-66—205, 11-under-par, clinching the title with birdies on the last two holes, while Saunders finished at 71-66-72—209.
By winning, Block earned starts in the The American Express on the Pete Dye Stadium Course at La Quinta Country Club and in the Farmers Insurance Open in at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla on the PGA Tour next season.
Lyon Lazare of Dana Point was third at 73-68-69—210, followed by Mark Geddes of Coronado at 70-72-69—211, Kyle Mendoza of Oceanside at 73-67-72—212, Brian Smock of Coronado at 68-70-77—215 and Brice Busse of Sherman Oaks at 69-75-74—218.
Bruce Nakamura of Vista carded a score of 77-70-74—221 to tie for eighth with Kenny Pigman of Ontario, who shot 76-69-76—221, while Logan Scott of La Crescenta totaled 76-75-71—222 to tie for 10th with Simon Allan of La Quinta, who finished at 75-74-73—222, Mike Mendoza of Indio, who wound up at 71-74-77—222, and Thomas Chu of Chula Vista, who came in at 74-71-77—222.
For complete results, visit: https://scpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/scpga23/event/scpga23131/contest/1/leaderboard.htm
