The Iron That Bought a Classic
Michael Block made a surprising move with a piece of golf history. The California club pro sold the TaylorMade TP MC 7-iron he used for his famous ace at the 2023 PGA Championship, and he didn’t keep it as a trophy. Instead, he spent the funds to acquire a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Restomod. This decision shows exactly how Block views his career highlights; he turned a moment of glory into a tangible asset for his personal life. The move connects his past success on the PGA Tour with his current life on the senior circuit.
From Oak Hill to the Garage
The story of the sale was first reported by Golf Digest‘s Alex Myers. Three years after the ace, Block opened up about the transaction ahead of the Sanford International. The shot at Oak Hill Country Club remains one of the most memorable moments in recent major history. Block, paired with Rory McIlroy, hit the only hole-in-one of the tournament on the 15th hole and finished the week at one-over with a 71. While he kept the club for a while, the financial reality of running a golf club eventually played a role. Block noted that he still handles payroll for his day job at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, so the cash from the club sale made practical sense. According to Golf Monthly, Block revealed he parted ways with the famous TaylorMade TP MC 7-iron to help purchase the classic car. The vehicle is a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Restomod with a California license plate that serves as a permanent reminder of the sale. It reads “SVNIRON,” a detail Block explained in an interview. Since that purchase was the reason, the plate reads SVNIRON on the ’65 Mustang Fastback Restomod. The sale wasn’t a quick decision; reports indicate he received big offers for the club initially but held onto it until he found the right use for the money.
Golf Digest detailed the specific reasoning behind the sale, noting that Block stated investing in a car that sits was always a dream of his. He contrasted this with the need to pay for payroll and create YouTube videos, which are ongoing expenses for his brand. The funding from the club sale was the key piece of the puzzle. “When I made that hole-in-one I was able to sell that 7-iron and that really helped put the funding towards that,” Block said. The club pro, who turned 50 on June 15th, now plays on the PGA Tour Champions. His performance there continues to bring in sizeable paychecks, but the car purchase relied on that specific piece of equipment from 2023.
A Smart Business Move
This transaction highlights a unique aspect of modern golf economics. Many players keep their historic clubs in display cases or museums, but Block took a different path. He treated the 7-iron as an asset that could be liquidated, recognizing the market for memorabilia from major championships is strong, especially for a moment as viral as his ace. By selling the club, Block secured a high-value asset that he can drive and enjoy. The Mustang is a physical representation of his greatest shot. The “SVNIRON” plate ensures the story is told every time he parks at Arroyo Trabuco.
For fans, this adds a new layer to the story of the 2023 PGA Championship. The ace was a feel-good moment for club professionals everywhere, and now that moment has a second life in the form of a classic American muscle car. Block’s next start on the Champions Tour is scheduled for the upcoming week, where he’ll be driving the Mustang to the range.
