On this early Wednesday edition of 5 Clubs, Gary Williams opens with a look at TGL and the shot that may already rank among the league’s all-time highlights, plus thoughts on Scottie Scheffler as his 2026 season begins at The American Express.

Michael McCartin, co-founder of the National Links Trust, joins the show to explain NLT’s mission to protect affordable, accessible municipal golf in Washington, D.C. — and to discuss the organization’s current uncertainty after its long-term lease involving East Potomac, Rock Creek, and Langston was terminated.

PGA of America Hall of Famer, Renee Powell, joins the show by ahead of receiving the NGCOA Award of Merit, reflecting on her journey in golf, the importance of access, and what progress still needs to be made to keep the game welcoming for everyone.

Plus: Dogs & Picks to close out the show — including selections for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and The American Express.

5 Clubs airs on Golf Channel and PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM (Channel 92).

0:00 - 4:59 Opening Thoughts

4:59 - 15:10 Scottie Scheffler begins 2026 season

15:49 - 31:33 Michael McCartin

32:00 - 42:45 Renee Powell

43:18 - 46:13 Dogs & Picks of the Week

Today on 5 Clubs, Gary Williams looks ahead to a busy week in golf—previewing the American Express and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and revisiting why Rory McIlroy has become one of the game’s most reliable fast starters.

Ron Green Jr. from The Global Golf Post joins in-studio to discuss his deep dive on PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp—his background, leadership style, and what his approach could mean for the TOUR’s next chapter. The conversation also turns to Scottie Scheffler and how high his ceiling might be over the next several years.

Later, Roberto Castro—former PGA TOUR pro and a key voice on the technology side of TGL—breaks down how the league came to life, the innovation behind the SoFi Center, and why TGL is gaining traction as a primetime sports product.

Gary closes with final thoughts on the USGA/R&A golf ball rollback timeline and what the latest update could mean moving forward.

5 Clubs airs on Golf Channel and PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM (Channel 92).

0:00 - 4:37 Opening Thoughts

4:37 - 8:32 Preview of The American Express

8:32 - 10:36 Preview of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

10:36 - 13:46 Rory's early-season success

14:13 - 28:50 Ron Green Jr.

29:10 - 42:00 Roberto Castro

42:37 - 46:26 Final Thoughts

The PGA TOUR season is officially underway, and storylines are beginning emerge. Gary Williams reacts to the Sony Open, where Chris Gotterup secured his third PGA TOUR victory, a win shaped by a year of learning how to close while consistently contending. It’s a performance that signals a player is ready to take the next step.

Gary is joined by Sean Martin, Senior Manager of Content Development at the PGA Tour to examine what makes Gotterup a “star in the making,” the relentless win-first mindset of Robert MacIntyre, and how the early-season calendar—including the American Express—is influencing player schedules. The conversation also explores the significance of Scottie Scheffler sustaining elite form across back-to-back seasons, the impact of Brooks Koepka re-entering the PGA TOUR, and how the new schedule model is designed to maintain competitiveness while giving fans greater clarity.

Former PGA TOUR professional Steve Wheatcroft joins to share perspective on how players approach the start of a new season, the mission behind The Mulligan Foundation and its work supporting mental health in golf, and the lasting impact of his book Cocktails & Range Balls on conversations around life on tour. We close with thoughts on the Latin America Amateur Championship and its

place in the global golf ecosystem.

5 Clubs airs on Golf Channel and PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM (Channel 92)

0:00 - 15:06 Opening Thoughts

15:52 - 30:09 Sean Martin

31:25 - 43:43 Steve Wheatcroft