Michael Block holds a two-stroke lead entering the final round of The Ally Challenge at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Carding a bogey-free 65 on Saturday, the 50-year-old club professional reached 13-under 131 with his son Ethan caddying, putting him ahead of Steven Alker and Pádraig Harrington as he chases his first PGA Tour Champions title.
Michael Block Grabs 36-Hole Lead at Warwick Hills
Michael Block opened his second round by eagling his first hole, setting the tone for a 7-under par 65 at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club. Block stands at 13-under 131 overall. He credited his son, Ethan, with keeping him steady on the course. “It’s a Godsend that he’s on my bag because I’m the least level-headed human being in the world,” Block told reporters. Block has scrambled successfully on all 12 occasions this week, marking the best scrambling record in the field.
Chasing Veterans Alker and Harrington on the Senior Circuit
Steven Alker matched Block’s second-round 65 to sit alone in second place at 11-under par, two shots off the lead. Alker enters Sunday seeking consecutive victories after winning the Rogers Charity Classic in a playoff against Y.E. Yang. Meanwhile, Pádraig Harrington birdied three of his final five holes for a round of 69, placing him third at 10-under. Harrington, who turns 55, won his third US Senior Open in July. First-round leader Vaughn Taylor shot an even-par 72 to drop into a tie for fourth at 9-under alongside Ricardo Gonzalez.
The Chase for Charles Schwab Cup Playoff Eligibility
Block is making just his fifth start on the PGA Tour Champions since turning 50 on June 15, following a T-9 finish at the DICK’S Open and a T-5 finish at the Rogers Charity Classic. Securing another top-10 finish is critical for his season goals. “Top-10 is huge for me. If I get a top-10, it gets me into the Sanford International in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which has been a huge goal of mine,” Block explained. Reaching that threshold would place him on the official Charles Schwab Cup money list and qualify him for the playoffs. “The fact that now I would have to do really some stupid stuff to not do it is a really cool thing,” Block said regarding his push to avoid relying on sponsor exemptions.
Pro Tips for Golf Swing Consistency Under Pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Ally Challenge taking place?
The tournament is being held at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
How many PGA Tour Champions starts has Michael Block made?
Block is making his fifth start on the senior circuit.
Who is leading the Charles Schwab Cup standings?
Stewart Cink leads the Charles Schwab Cup after collecting five victories during the season, following a Saturday round of 71 that left him tied for 12th at 6-under.
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