Collin Morikawa, Jason Day lead notable players to miss 2024 Farmers Insurance Open cut at Torrey Pines

Check out the list of big names who are heading home (or to Pebble Beach) earlier than expected.

SAN DIEGO — Eight of the top 20 players in the Official World Golf Ranking made the trip to this week’s PGA Tour stop along the California coast, and five made the 36-hole cut, the only time this season there will be a Thursday cut.

While most of the top-ranked players in the field earned tee times for the South Course at Torrey Pines on Friday and Saturday, a handful of well-known players will be heading home (or up the road to Pebble Beach) earlier than planned from the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open.

In all, 79 players made the cut, leading to threesomes going off both the 1st and 10th tee.

Here are the notable PGA Tour players (and southern California club professionals) who are heading home early after missing the cut – which came in at 3 under – at Torrey Pines.

FARMERS: Friday tee times | Photos | Euros atop leaderboard

Rickie Fowler, Tom Kim and other big names miss cut at 2024 American Express

These guys are headed home early.

There’s something special brewing in La Quinta, California.

Thanks to a third-round 12-under 60 at La Quinta Country Club, amateur Nick Dunlap (27 under) holds the outright lead at the American Express. Dunlap made 10 birdies and an eagle on the par-5 6th (his 15th hole of the day). If he goes on to win Sunday, he’d be the first amateur to win on Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991.

Sam Burns is alone in second at 24 under, and Justin Thomas is 23 under, solo third and four back.

While the college kid is tearing it up, there are several big names heading home a day early after missing the 54-hole cut.

American Express: Photos

Here are several big-name players who won’t play in the final round of the American Express.

SC: Stadium Course
LQCC: La Quinta Country Club
NT: Nicklaus Tournament Course

PGA Championship star Michael Block has earned another appearance in this California tournament

By winning a PGA section championship last week at Sherwood Country Club, Block has earned the berth.

Michael Block, one of the stars of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, will have another chance to show off his wares on the PGA Tour next January.

The 47-year-old club pro forever became part of PGA Championship lore when he aced the 151-yard par-3 15th hole on Sunday with a 7-iron and finished in the top 20, earning a check of $288,000 for his efforts.

After his triumphant showing, Block made subsequent appearances at the Charles Schwab Challenge and RBC Canadian Open, but missed the cut in both events.

But by winning the PGA of Southern California’s section championship last week at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Block has earned a berth in the American Express, which takes place at La Quinta.

According to a story from our network partner, the Palm Springs Desert Sun, Block closed strong in earning the berth.

Block started the third and final round one shot off the lead, then fired a 6-under 66 in the final round for a three-day total of 11-under 205, four shots better than runner-up Steve Saunders of Temecula Creek Golf Club.

The win, Block’s second consecutive section title and his fourth in seven years, earns Block a berth into the two non-invitational PGA Tour events played in the section, The American Express and the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.

Block played in The American Express last January and shot a 7-under 65 in the first round at the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West. Block eventually missed the 54-hole cut in the La Quinta event.

The 2023 PGA marked the fifth time Block had qualified for that event, while also playing in two U.S. Opens.

The top 10 players and ties from this year’s 54-hole event at Sherwood Country Club, advance to the PGA’s National Professional championship. The top 20 players from that event earn a berth into next year’s PGA Championship. No desert golfer finished in the top 10 and ties this year, with Geoff Dean of PGA West in La Quinta and Nate Williams of Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta tying for 14th at 8-over, two shots out of a qualifying berth.

Block also found lightning in a bottle again when he traveled to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville as part of a scouting trip for next year’s tournament.

He carded seven birdies and an eagle during the practice round, finishing his round at 9 under and tying the course record, a mark that was set by Jose Maria Olazabal at the 2000 PGA Championship.

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PGA Championship darling Michael Block ties course record at Valhalla Golf Club

The 47-year-old club pro who forever became part of PGA Championship lore found lightning in a bottle once again.

After becoming the biggest story of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, Michael Block had largely retreated to a life of teaching the game at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California.

After his triumphant showing, Block made subsequent appearances at the Charles Schwab Challenge and RBC Canadian Open, but missed the cut in both events.

But the 47-year-old club pro — who forever became part of PGA Championship lore when he aced the 151-yard par-3 15th hole at Oak Hill on Sunday with a 7-iron — found lightning in a bottle again on Thursday when he traveled to Valhalla Golf Club in Lousiville as part of a scouting trip for next year’s tournament.

Block carded seven birdies and an eagle during the practice round on Thursday, finishing his round at 9 under and tying the course record, a mark that was set by Jose Maria Olazabal at the 2000 PGA Championship.

Block’s wild ride at the 2023 event in Upstate New York netted him nearly $300,000 as he placed him in a tie for 15th, captivating golf fans around the country in the process.

He also revealed that he had previously charged his students $150 per hour during his lessons.

During the final round, Block aced the par-3 No. 15 hole with a shot that he dunked straight into the cup, without even hitting the flagpole. The hole-in-one brought Block’s score to even-par after his up-and-down round.

Block was paired with Rory McIlroy, the No. 3 player in the Official World Golf Ranking and four-time major winner. After Block sunk his shot at 15, McIlroy went over and gave him a hug as both players smiled. Block, seemingly in disbelief, was caught on the broadcast saying: “That didn’t go in, did it? No, no. No way. No way.”

With his finish in the top 20, Block automatically earned a berth into the 2024 event at Valhalla.

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Golf’s Longest Day: Notable names competing in U.S. Open final qualifying

A spot in the 156-man field at Los Angeles Country Club is the ultimate goal.

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Monday is “Golf’s Longest Day,” as hundreds of golfers are competing at 10 final qualifying stages hoping to punch their tickets to the 123rd U.S. Open.

Los Angeles Country Club is the landing spot for them all, including PGA Championship darling Michael Block and his 18-year-old son, Dylan.

There have already been three final qualifiers completed, with the LIV Golf League’s Sergio Garcia advancing from one in Dallas on May 22. Austin Eckroat, Roger Sloan and Hank Lebioda qualified in Dallas, as well.

Ryo Ishikawa was one of three players who made it through a U.S. Open qualifier in Japan on May 22.

Viktor Hovland, fresh off his win Sunday at the Memorial, is a caddie today in a qualifier for his good buddy and former Oklahoma State teammate Zach Bauchou.

Here are some other notable names to watch at the 10 sites on June 5:

MORE: Top storylines to watch at U.S. Open qualifying

Lambton Golf & Country Club, Toronto

Harry Hall, Ryan Gerard, Ryan Armour, Richy Werenski, Callum Tarren, Ludvig Aberg, Martin Trainer, Jimmy Walker, Michael Block, Harry Higgs.

Hillcrest Country Club, Los Angeles

Tommy Morrison, Dylan Block, Charley Hoffman, Matt Jones, Brendan Steele.

Pine Tree Golf Club, Boynton Beach, Florida

Wesley Bryan, Carlos Ortiz, Cameron Kuchar. Of note: Matthew Wolff withdrew from this qualifier.

Hawks Ridge Golf Club, Ball Ground, Georgia

Gordon Sargent, Andy Ogletree, Bill Haas. Patton Kizzire was a WD.

Woodmont Country Club, Rockville, Maryland

Marc Leishman.

Canoe Brook Country Club, Summit, New Jersey

Michael Thorbjornsen, Cameron Tringale, Stewart Hagestad, Kelly Kraft, Jim Herman, Harrison Endycott. Caleb Surrat WD’d from this one.

Brookside Golf & Country Club and The Lakes Golf & Country Club, Columbus, Ohio

Kevin Chappell, Patrick Rodgers, Lucas Glover, Nicolas Echavarria, Cameron Champ, Aaron Baddeley, Ben Taylor, Stewart Cink, Peter Uihlein, Erik van Rooyen, Cole Hammer, Luke List, Peter Malnati, Davis Thompson, Kyle Stanley, Matthew NeSmith, Chris Gotterup, David Lingmerth, Sam Ryder, Jason Kokrak, Kevin Streelman, Nick Watney, Geoff Ogilvy, Ben An.

Springfield Country Club, Springfield, Ohio

Troy Merritt, Dylan Wu, Beau Hossler, Scott Piercy, Thomas Detry, Willie Mack III, Mark Hubbard, Taylor Pendrith, Robert Garrigus, JJ Spaun, Nick Hardy, Bo Hoag. Davis Love III WD’d from here.

Old Chatham Club, Durham, North Carolina

Doc Redman, Bo Van Pelt, Chesson Hadley.

Here are 10 storylines for 2023 U.S. Open final qualifying worth keeping an eye on

Time will tell if these players can earn their way into the 123rd U.S. Open.

The longest day in golf is just around the corner as players are preparing to chase their spot in the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angles Country Club, scheduled for June 15-18.

Final qualifying will be held over 36 holes, and 10 venues around the country (and Canada) are set to host some of the biggest names in the sport.

Members of the LIV Golf League who are not already exempt into the field will take part in the annual tradition. Some of those names include Harold Varner III, Marc Leishman, Brendan Steele, Carlos Ortiz and Matthew Wolff.

There are several PGA Tour players participating as well, including both 2023 Ryder Cup captains, Zach Johnson and Luke Donald.

Here are the 10 venues set to host final qualifying.

  • Lambton Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Hillcrest Country Club, Los Angeles California
  • Pine Tree Golf Club, Boynton Beach, Florida
  • Hawks Ridge Golf Club, Ball Ground, Georgia
  • Woodmont Country Club (North Course), Rockville, Maryland
  • Canoe Brook Country Club (North & South Courses), Summit, New Jersey
  • Old Chatham Golf Club, Durham, North Carolina
  • Brookside Golf & Country Club and The Lakes Golf & Country Club, Columbus, Ohio
  • Springfield (Ohio) Country Club
  • Tacoma Country & Golf Club, Lakewood, Washington

Here are 10 players to keep your eye on Monday, June 5, as they try to earn their way into the 123rd U.S. Open.

Michael Block knew he’d connect with ‘dadbods,’ but not the others at Charles Schwab Challenge

Michael Block again insisted it was his driver that was his downfall in missing the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

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FORT WORTH, Texas — The stats don’t bear it out, but days after proclaiming that he’d “be one of the best players in the world” with Rory McIlroy’s length, Michael Block again insisted it was his driver that was his downfall in missing the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

However, a quick look shows that the 46-year-old PGA Championship darling and full-time teaching pro had a worse Strokes Gained: Approach to Green game at Colonial Country Club than he did Strokes Gained: Off the Tee.

In other words, Block’s game simply failed him at a place where short hitters often have their best chance.

Still, Block said on Friday that he was humbled by the support he received from a large crowd at the PGA Tour event this week. He’s heading back home now to California, giving himself a chance to unpack all the emotions from a two-week stretch that saw him on an ESPN featured group and making appearances on numerous networks.

“I’m not going to let it all out until I get probably in the … when I get to my house and I’m sitting in the backyard,” Block said after carding a 74 on Friday, not nearly good enough to get into weekend contention, but much better than the 81 he posted on Thursday. “I can’t talk about this stuff right now. My black lab Messy, he’s waiting for me. I haven’t seen him in almost two weeks, and I can’t wait to get home and throw the ball with him.”

Block had more double bogeys (five) than birdies in his 36 holes at Colonial and his 15-over 155 put him five shots below everyone else on the board.

“The tee shots killed me, honestly, this week. I still had the short game. I still had the irons. I still had the putter and everything else, but I’m usually a very straight driver and I love a cut, and I was not feeling it,” he said. “From the first tee shot where I blocked it right, I was either blocking it right or pulling it left. Block it right, pull left.”

Still, he connected with fans, many who cheered him on well into the second round. Block had a respectable group following him throughout the day, even while Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth were on the course.

Block said he was in awe of the response, even with groups he did not think he’d connect with.

“I appreciate everybody that’s shown their support. The people here, the pros here, the members here, the volunteers here, and the fans have been amazing,” Block said. “I thought I was just going to hit a chord with like 40-year-old … what do they call it? Dadbods. I thought I was going to hit a chord with the dadbods, which I think I did, but I think I hit a chord with all the other ones too, which is really, really cool. I met a lot of young people and old people and middle-aged people and whatever else.

“It’s my appreciation to them all. I just want to say thank you.”

Block will keep chugging away, practicing as he always has between lessons as the golf instructor at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California. In fact, he estimates that if you add up all the minutes he spent practicing that it would be “10 years worth.”

And he’ll be back on Tour during the RBC Canadian Open in early June, playing on another sponsor’s exemption.

“I can’t wait for Canada, to tell you the truth,” Block said. “I cannot wait. I cannot wait to get to Toronto.”

Photos: Michael Block through the years

View photos of Michael Block throughout his golfing career.

Michael Block took the golf world by storm at the 2023 PGA Championship after a T-15 finish at Oak Hill.

The club pro at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, in Mission Viejo, California, had a week to remember in Rochester, New York. Between playing with Rory McIlroy in the final round of a major, a hole-in-one and one of the best up-and-downs we’ve seen in recent history, Block is one of the biggest names in the game at the moment.

After his performance at Oak Hill, the sponsor invites came flooding in and resulted in Block changing his flight back home to California to Fort Worth, Texas, to play at Colonial.

The golf world should know that Block is no flash in the pan. He’s played in over 25 PGA Tour events including two U.S. Opens and five PGA Championships. Block also won Southern California PGA Player of the Year honors nine times between 2012 and 2022.

His T-15 at Oak Hill not only netted him a couple of sponsor invites, but it also gave him an exemption into the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Until then, let’s all enjoy the Block party.

Michael Block crashing back to Earth, Harry Hall’s birdiefest lead our 5 things to know from first round at 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge

Many of the pertinent storylines leading up to the Charles Schwab Challenge were tossed out the window.

FORT WORTH, Texas — As is often the case, many of the storylines that seemed pertinent leading up to the opening round of the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge were kindly tossed out the window through the first 18 holes of action at Colonial Country Club.

Teaching pro and PGA Championship darling Michael Block brought plenty of buzz to the event but he fizzled while part of a featured group on ESPN.

Jordan Spieth, who said his wrist was ready for a run at one of his favorite tournaments, managed just a pedestrian 2-over 72.

And Collin Morikawa, who was one of the betting favorites, finished with a 73, his worst round in 13 at the storied club.

While those storylines didn’t hold up through the first day, that leads us to five things you should know after the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge.

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Michael Block wasn’t the only one who had his biggest payday at the 2023 PGA Championship. His caddie did too

Caddie John Jackson did some math on the calculator app on his phone after Block finished T-15.

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Club pro Michael Block wasn’t the only one who cashed the biggest check of his life at the 105th PGA Championship on Sunday.

His caddie, John Jackson, did the math on the calculator app of his phone  Sunday evening after Block finished T-15, the best result by a club pro since 1986, and earned $288,333. Jackson’s take home: $20,183.31.

In a video that was posted on social media, Block looks at the figure (7 percent of Block’s winnings) on Jackson’s phone, smiles widely, slaps him five and gives him knuckles.

“It’s been unreal, surreal, literally a dream, a movie, whatever,” Jackson said Sunday as Block was honored at the 18th green for being the low finisher among the club pros. “Mike and I were pinching ourselves going down the fairways. It was weird. The whole thing is crazy.”

Jackson’s regular job is caddying for resort guests at Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, California, where he’s looped full-time since 2017. In college, Jackson played for the Cal State Monterey Bay Otters and was part of the NCAA Division II National Championship team in 2011.

Block was one of 20 PGA professionals to qualify for the PGA Championship. He is a 10-time Southern California PGA Player of the Year and the reigning PGA Professional of the Year. Jackson and Block met as competitors at a California State Open around 10 years ago. Block played at the TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitational one year and Jackson got on his bag and they almost won.

Jackson had previously worked a few majors, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – but only for amateurs – and the PGA Tour Champions Pure Insurance Open for the last 15 years. Jackson caddied for Block at the PGA at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last year during the practice rounds but got promoted to full status at Oak Hill.

“He called me and said, ‘Do you want to do the whole week this year?’ And we made it the whole week,” Jackson said.

Of Block’s hole-in-one, Jackson noted that he hadn’t made a putt all day. “I said, ‘Just hit it closer,’ ” Jackson recalled.

He did, flying a 7-iron at 15 directly into the cup.

“I wasn’t helping much because I was pumping him up,” Jackson said.

Initially, Jackson planned to decompress on Monday and Tuesday and get back to reality. He said he had some vacationers who had requested work. That all changed when Block was offered a sponsor exemption into the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, which got underway Thursday. Jackson is back on the bag for another Tour start and a chance for another gigantic payday.

“I’d do it again right now if I could,” Jackson said Sunday.

It turns out he didn’t have to wait that long.

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