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

The 5 Clubs Sunday Special breaks down the first PGA TOUR event of the season, the Sony Open, along with reactions to the week’s action at the Dubai Invitational.

Gary Williams opens the show with takeaways from Dubai, including Nacho Elvira’s victory, Rory McIlroy’s strong play, and how Shane Lowry narrowly missed out on a win, before turning full attention to three days of play at the Sony Open and how the leaderboard has taken shape heading into the final round.

Taylor Zarzour, voice of the Tennessee Titans and host of The Starter on PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM, joins the show to discuss who’s contending in Hawaii, who they expect to win, and which emerging players could begin challenging the Scotties and Rorys of the world. Gary and Taylor also take a closer look at Nacho Elvira’s win on the European Tour, discussing his path to success through years of grinding overseas and how the victory introduced him to a global audience beyond Europe.

The show also takes a closer look at Davis Riley and other players positioned to make a Sunday run at the Sony Open, along with thoughts on Vijay Singh using his lifetime exemption and what it means in today’s PGA TOUR landscape.

5 Clubs airs on Golf Channel

0:00 - 12:10 Opening Thoughts

13:29 - 30:38 Taylor Zarzour

31:15 - 46:15 Final Thoughts

Gary Williams is joined by Brendon de Jonge (Wagyu Filet, Golf Central Pregame) and Taylor Zarzour (The Starter) for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest storylines shaping the 2026 golf season.

The crew reacts to Brooks Koepka’s PGA TOUR reentry — including Tiger Woods’ comments on the process, penalties, and how Koepka’s return impacts fields without taking spots away from current members. They also dive into what Koepka’s outlook could look like once he’s fully back in rhythm.

From there, it’s a big-picture debate on the Scottie Scheffler run and how close we may be to historical comparisons — plus what a Rory McIlroy vs. Scottie Scheffler duel could look like at Augusta National and Shinnecock Hills.

Later, the panel makes 2026 projections:

• Tommy Fleetwood vs. Xander Schauffele — who has the bigger year?
• Cam Young vs. Ludvig Åberg — who takes the next leap into the top tier?
• Jordan Spieth in 2026 — win potential vs. week-to-week consistency

Plus: Dogs of the Week returns, and the crew closes with picks for the Dubai Invitational and the Sony Open.

2:10 - 16:57 Brendon de Jonge

17:30 - 42:35 Taylor Zarzour

43:00 - Dogs of the week & Picks of the week

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

Brooks Koepka is officially back on the PGA Tour, and the ripple effects could reshape the future of professional golf. With the new Returning Member Program creating a pathway for players like Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, and Bryson DeChambeau to return, Gary Williams breaks down what this means for both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf moving forward.

Gary is joined by Gabby Herzig of The Athletic and Josh Carpenter of Sports Business Journal to examine how Koepka’s return could influence player movement, Tour strategy, and the competitive balance between the PGA Tour and LIV — and what this moment signals for the next chapter of the professional game.

Gary also talks with Jones Cup champion and SMU standout William Sides to discuss his performance at Sea Island, his path through amateur golf, and even his choice of headwear as he continues to rise in the game.

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

0:00 - 7:15 Opening thoughts on Brooks Koepka's Return

7:24 - 20:41 Gabby Herzig

21:49 - 31:35 William Sides

32:26 - 44:02 Josh Carpenter

Today’s show opens with Gary Williams breaking down the latest surrounding five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, the nine-time PGA Tour winner, and the growing speculation about a potential return to the PGA Tour, along with a wider look at the current state of the professional game.

Golf Channel analyst and eight-time PGA Tour winner Brad Faxon — a former Ryder Cup player, Walker Cup champion, and one of the greatest putters in the history of the game — joins the show to share his perspective on what Koepka’s return could mean for the sport, why Scottie Scheffler is poised to dominate once again in 2026, and his personal favorites when it comes to both golf and food.

Gary wraps up the episode with a look ahead at this year’s major championship venues and other key events that will shape the golf calendar in 2026.

0:00 - 13:52: Brooks returning to PGA Tour

14:05 - 33:12 - Brad Faxon

34:00-43:45 - Major Venues & other notable events this year

44:05 - 46:14 -Closing thoughts

Register for the heartbeat today.

We’re back for 2026 — LIVE from Ocean Forest at Sea Island during Jones Cup week, one of the premier amateur events in golf.

Host Gary Williams sets the stage for a two-hour show featuring conversations from on site with some of the best players and voices in amateur and college golf, including Luke Poulter (University of Florida and Walker Cup Member), Jacob Modleski (Notre Dame and 2024 Jones Cup champion), and Miles Russell (two-time JGR Rolex Player of the Year and Florida State Committ) — plus insights on what makes Sea Island a unique incubator for elite golf.

In this episode, we dig into:

Why the Jones Cup matters as the bridge from fall to spring college golf

The Walker Cup pipeline and names to know in a Walker Cup year

What makes Ocean Forest such a demanding test

The history and impact behind the Jones Cup, and Sea Island’s commitment to the amateur game

How elite players prepare during the offseason and what separates the next wave

Interviews:

06:11-11:56: Brentley Romine

13:40-21:52: Luke Poulter

22:45-33:40: John Wade

34:44-45:02: Davis Thompson

47:20-55:37: Jacob Modleski

57:10-1:04:13: Miles Russell

1:05:40-1:15:34 : Bill Jones III

1:16:44-1:29:16 : Scott Steilen

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