Digital Social Hour: Michael Block — How One Interview Almost Ended My Career

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Michael Block
Episode: #1570
Date: October 14, 2025

Episode Overview

In this candid episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with professional golfer Michael Block for a raw, unfiltered discussion about Block’s sudden rise to fame, the downsides of viral media attention, and how one misinterpreted interview nearly derailed his career. Block opens up about the challenges of being thrust into the spotlight without media training and reflects on the persistent pressure athletes face from both the press and social media. He shares personal anecdotes from his golf career, discusses the toll of public scrutiny, and reveals his plans for the future as he approaches a milestone birthday.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Pressure of the Spotlight & Media Misinterpretation

• Sudden Rise: Block describes what it’s like to be suddenly thrust into fame after years as a relative unknown in professional golf.
• Media Scrutiny: He highlights the dangers of “out of context” viral clips and the media’s tendency to sensationalize harmless comments.
  • Notable Quote (00:20):
    “At the end of the day, I come out of the locker room and someone interviews me... and the press took it the wrong way as what's happened in the past with me. And it was a bummer. And I've kind of learned that... I don't know how to handle in the future, to be honest.” — Michael Block
• Social Media Negativity: Block voices concern over how social media amplifies negativity and enables “keyboard warriors.”
  • Notable Quote (05:20):
    “No matter what kind of a good dude and person you are, there's a lot of negativity in the world on this whole social media aspect... social media has got to change. And these people, these, what they call keyboard warriors cannot thrive.” — Michael Block

2. Viral Moments and What Really Happened

• Playing in Front of Crowds: Block discusses how comments about performing better in front of crowds were taken out of context.
• The Rory McIlroy Comparison: Block clarifies a widely-shared quote allegedly claiming he would be “one of the greats” if he could hit as far as Rory McIlroy.
  • Notable Quote (06:57):
    “If I hit it 350 in the air, would I be the best guy in the world? Absolutely not. I never said that in my life and never would... What I said was I would be a lot better. And that's true.” — Michael Block
• He recounts being asked on Bob Menery’s show about the difference between his game and McIlroy’s, acknowledging the big impact of driving distance but denying any braggadocio.
  • Notable Quote (08:15):
    “I will never, ever take anything back from what I said whatsoever.” — Michael Block

3. Life, Legacy, and Next Steps

• Unprepared for Fame: Block confides he had no PR training or support — contrasting himself with top pros like Rory and Justin Rose, who have teams behind them.
  • Notable Quote (05:20):
    “I had no PR training. I'm sitting there literally, blood, sweat and tears and going with it. And... people would look at certain things that I said in a bad way, but they did.” — Michael Block
• Staying Grounded: He emphasizes that family and friends are what really matter.
  • Notable Quote (06:02):
    “If you meet me and you don't like me, I totally agree. Trash me, I don't care, it's fine. But if you meet me and you hang out with me ... you can say whatever you want.” — Michael Block
• Looking Forward: With his 50th birthday approaching, Block shares excitement about playing on the Senior Tour and maintaining a youthful spirit even among older peers.
  • Notable Quote (09:37):
    “I have a very young soul. And, like. And I like to get after it... the Senior Tour next year has a whole nother thing coming to him when I turn 50, I'll tell you that.” — Michael Block

4. Lighthearted Moments & Personality

• Poker Game Banter: The episode features plenty of casual banter about poker, dining plans (shout out to Carbone), and a fun rivalry with Colby Covington.
• Surfing Aspirations: After another poker loss, Block humorously declares he’s switching to surfing.
  • Notable Quote (09:49):
    “Trip aces and I lost again. And you know what? I'm going to go down in flames. I'm going to go surfing next week. That's all. I'm... Surfing. Going surfing.” — Michael Block

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – Michael Block reflects on fame and the experience of being misinterpreted by the media
• 01:00 – Casual poker talk and plans for dinner at Carbone
• 02:12 – Addressing viral clips: Playing better in front of crowds
• 05:20 – The impact of social media and handling criticism
• 06:51 – The Rory McIlroy quote: Clarifying his intent
• 07:56 – How viral moments spiral and media attention
• 08:29 – Thoughts on stepping away from the spotlight and Senior Tour plans
• 09:36 – Block’s youthful mindset and friendship dynamics
• 09:47 – Switching hobbies: From poker to surfing
• 10:04 – Episode wrap-up

Memorable Quotes

• “I don't know how to handle it in the future, to be honest. I kind of don't want to be in the spotlight, to be honest.” — Michael Block (02:22)
• “Roy was so impressive when I played him in the PGA Championship... but the guy bombs it 40, 50, 60 yards by me... Makes life a little easier.” — Michael Block (07:27)
• “The Senior Tour next year has a whole nother thing coming to him when I turn 50, I'll tell you that.” — Michael Block (09:37)

Tone & Takeaways

This episode is a mix of authenticity, humor, and candid reflection. Michael Block’s openness about his vulnerabilities and his refusal to let public misperceptions define him provide a refreshing window into the realities of modern sports celebrity. The show’s laid-back banter and Block’s heartfelt remarks make it an engaging listen for both golf enthusiasts and anyone interested in the pressures of sudden fame in the digital age.