On the same day defending champion Tiger Woods officially committed to the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Block of Aliso Viejo, Calif. also punched his ticket to the event, which will be played Jan. 23-26 at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla.
The 38-year old Block, head pro at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, shot 2-under-par 70 to win the Southern California PGA’s Club Car Series event at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in a playoff on Monday.
In addition to the winner’s check of $1,200, Block also claimed the one berth in the Farmers that was available.
This won’t be the first rodeo for Block, who played in the 2007 U.S. Open at Oakmont, missing the cut at 77-79–156, despite holing his second shot for an eagle on the 14th hole in round one.
Block, the 2001 California State Open champion, also qualified for the Northern Trust Open last year at Riviera and shot 69-73-79 to miss the secondary cut, but not before again making his presence known.
He eagled the first hole in the opening round and shot 2-under-par 33 on the front nine before chipping in for another eagle at No. 11 to get to 4-under.
While Block played into the third round, among those who went home after missing the 36-hole cut at challenging Riviera were Dustin Johnson, Graeme McDowell, Zach Johnson and Bubba Watson.
Block earned his spot in the Northern Trust field by shooting 4-under-par 67 to win a Monday qualifier at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights.
This year, his family and friends will be holding a Block party at Torrey Pines.
