Paige Spiranac defends Michael Block after post-PGA Championship uproar

Paige Spiranac is expressing support for club pro Michael Block, whose Cinderella story on the golf circuit took an unfortuante turn this week.

Days after Block finished tied for 15th at this year’s PGA Championship, the 46-year-old scored an invite to this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge, where he finished Thursday’s opening round in last place with an 11-over 81.

The longtime golf influencer, 30, tweeted Thursday she “feels” for Block, who also sparked social media blowback when discussing Rory McIlroy’s game and his own.

“Feel for Michael Block after his round today. There’s so much pressure to perform and no one prepares you for how to handle public scrutiny. One quick video clip or headline can twist the narrative (I know from experience…most recently involving him) so cut him some slack,” Spiranac said.

Earlier this week, Block — who also earned a sponsored exemption to next month’s RBC Canadian Open — appeared on the “Ripper Magoo Podcast” and was asked about McIlroy, his playing partner in the final round of the PGA Championship.

“He’s a lot longer than I am,” Block said. “What I would shoot from where Rory hits it would be stupid. I think I’d be one of the best players in the world.

“Hands down. If I had that stupid length, all day. My iron game, wedge game, around the greens, and my putting is world-class.”

Block addressed the uproar in an Instagram Story on Thursday.

“Whose ever taken out of context the fact that I could be the best player in the world or all that if I could hit it as far as Rory, I mean the fact is, yeah, if I was 60 to 70 to 80 yards longer off the tee, yeah, of course I could compete on the PGA Tour. I mean, come on,” he began.

“I’m not, I’m 46, I’m a club pro. These guys bomb it past me, and it’s cool. I’ve got no problem with it. Am I going to be the best player in the world or the top 20 in the world? No, I’m not. I’m still going to be a club pro at the end of the day. I’m not going to be on tour and all that stuff. 

“So, all the haters out there, c’mon, man. I mean, really? It’s me. I’m Michael. I’m having fun.”

Spiranac remains one of Block’s biggest champions.

Not only did Spiranac laud Block on Tuesday’s episode of her “Playing A Round” podcast, but she playfully jabbed him for not kissing wife Val on the 18th hole of last weekend’s major tournament.