Tour pro rips Australian Open chiefs over Michael Block invite: "Disappointing"
Australian tour pro Scott Hend appeared less than impressed after tournament organisers of the Australian Open offered Michael Block a spot in the field.
Australian tour pro Scott Hend appeared less than impressed after PGA Championship hero Michael Block was offered a spot in this year's Australian Open via a sponsor exemption.
The 50-year-old questioned what Block and his agent had done for making it happen.
He blasted tournament organisers on X, claiming it demonstrates 'where a once respected tournament is heading'.
"Well done to Michael and his agent for getting whatever they did for this to happen," Hend wrote, alongside what we presume were clapping emojis used sarcastically.
The Australian Open will be played over 30 November to 3 December at The Australian Golf Club and The Lakes in New South Wales.
The tournament is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour. Cameron Smith is in the field but Aussie favourite Jason Day is skipping his home Open in favour of playing in Tiger Woods' PGA Tour event he hosts annually in the Bahamas.
Block is a PGA of America professional who, other than Brooks Koepka, was the standout performer of the 2023 PGA Championship.
The club pro tied for 15th, finishing higher than players such as Jon Rahm.
His week included making a memorable ace as he played alongside Rory McIlroy in the final round.
Block has since gone on to make headlines, such as the time he claimed he would be one of the best players in the world if he hit the ball the same distance as the Ulsterman.
He walked back those remarks, claiming what he said was misconstrued.
Block has also earned a spot in next January's American Express on the PGA Tour.
His finish at this year's major has also earned him a spot at the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Recently, he was ridiculed by golf fans for his latest claim about why he's not on the PGA Tour.
Although it has to be said, his comments were misinterpreted.
Well done to Michael and His agent for getting whatever they did for this to happen...... YEEEEEEET....... This is just showing and confirming where a once respected Tournament is heading.... Poor leadership, at the very least. #Disappointing #JustSayn #GolfLife #DoBetter https://t.co/w1MGI09aE6
— Scott Hend (@hendygolf) October 27, 2023
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