Five Clubs

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 Thoughts4:37 - 8:32 Preview of The American Express8:32 - 10:36 Preview of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic10:36 - 13:46 Rory's early-season success14:13 - 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 Martin31:25 - 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 Channel0:00 - 12:10 Opening Thoughts13:29 - 30:38 Taylor Zarzour31:15 - 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 consistencyPlus: 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 Jonge17:30 - 42:35 Taylor Zarzour43:00 - Dogs of the week & Picks of the week5 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 Return7:24 - 20:41 Gabby Herzig21:49 - 31:35 William Sides32:26 - 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 Faxon34:00-43:45 - Major Venues & other notable events this year  44:05 - 46:14 -Closing thoughtsRegister 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 golfThe Walker Cup pipeline and names to know in a Walker Cup yearWhat makes Ocean Forest such a demanding testThe history and impact behind the Jones Cup, and Sea Island’s commitment to the amateur gameHow elite players prepare during the offseason and what separates the next waveInterviews: 06:11-11:56: Brentley Romine 13:40-21:52: Luke Poulter22:45-33:40: John Wade34:44-45:02: Davis Thompson47:20-55:37: Jacob Modleski57:10-1:04:13: Miles Russell1:05:40-1:15:34 : Bill Jones III1:16:44-1:29:16 : Scott Steilen5 Clubs airs on Golf Channel and PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM (Channel 92).

Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Keith Mitchell, Keegan Bradley and Shane Lowry joined the final 5 Clubs on Golf Channel program for 2025. All of the guests discussed the Golf Channel Games. McIlroy recapped his year including the Masters and what his priorities are ahead. Bradley touched on his feelings for the Ryder Cup and the aftermath and the hole it has left in his soul. Lowry touched on his Ryder Cup memories including the pressure he felt on the 18th hole as the lead was slipping away. Mitchell talked about his appreciation for the world of broadcast as he prepared for his role in the Golf Channel Games and talked about the world’s top two players. And Scheffler touched on his improved putting, the back 9 at the PGA and how the condensed PGA TOUR schedule will have to be navigated. We also announced a new event in collaboration with Landmand Golf Club called the Heartbeat and showcased our dogs of the week.

Johnson Wagner & Angel Yin joined the program today. Yin talked about the importance of the LPGA sharing the stage with celebrities, how important it is for her to maintain consistency, the work done by Craig Kessler, the global events and more. Wagner recapped a lot of the year and his work as a broadcaster from recreating golf shots on TV, the way the 17th played at The Players in the playoff, calling this year’s Masters on radio, the roller coaster of the week in Augusta and in particular that Sunday, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth and more. 

Brendon de Jonge & Oliver Wilson joined the program today. De Jonge started by sharing how uncomfortable the vibe is for the final day of Q school as five TOUR cards were on the line. They also talked about Rory McIlroy’s year, Scottie Scheffler’s year, Tommy Fleetwood, Marco Penge, Michael Brennan, Tyrrell Hatton, the signature series in 2026, Europeans on the majors hunt and more.

Hally Leadbetter and Gabby Herzig joined the program today. Leadbetter has been around the game her entire life but has forged her career on the content and broadcast side of the business. She talked about getting your foot in the door, how all of us love the rush of golf, having supportive friends in the industry and establishing trust with subjects. Herzig talked about relative reluctance of Scottie Scheffler, who will drive conversation in 2026, that we will hear more of LIV this year, Tiger Woods’s position moving forward, how enjoyable it is to talk to Rory McIlroy and Max Homa and much more. The show ended with the golf dogs of the week.

The Fried Egg Golf duo of Andy Johnson and Brendan Porath as well as golf historian Jaime Diaz joined the program today. Fried Egg Golf is celebrating their 10-year anniversary and they talked about what has changed over the last ten years, the Masters finish from Rory McIlroy, what the Masters has delivered over the past few years and the dominance of Scottie Scheffler. Jaime Diaz talked about the mentors for Tiger Woods, what made Jack Nicklaus so great and what to be made of the ball rollback in 2026.

Brad Dalke and Ryan Lavner joined today’s show with host Gary Williams. Dalke is part of Good Good Golf and he talked about how he got into YouTube golf and how much fun he is having again. He also talked about some of the players he played with that he knew would become top players in Sam Burns and Scottie Scheffler. Finally Dalke talked about how he is excited to be a part of the renewed Big Break show. Lavner follows the golf stories throughout the year and talked about Rory McIlroy’s win at the Masters, the Ryder Cup “moment”, Scheffler and the big year he expects from Jon Rahm.

LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler and Grant Boone joined today’s show with host Gary Williams. Boone led it off and shared news on a new collegiate event being hosted by Abilene Christian that has top programs across the country participating, how some top players are now going to and staying in college to refine their games, the rise from the Japanese players, the year from Nelly Korda and how Jeeno Thitikul bounced back from a devastating loss. Kessler talked about private equity in sports, how the LPGA is laser focused on the fans, his stance on team events, the three things that matter most for the tour, developing the right schedule and the keys to leadership.

Darren Clarke & Tom Coyne joined today’s show with host Gary Williams. Clarke discussed the icon Bernhard Langer, why the European Ryder Cup team is so good, that amateurs take too long over the ball, Tiger’s ball-striking display on the range one day, where Rory McIlroy is among the top Europeans and fielded five questions to go. Coyne, an author and editor of The Golfer’s Journal, talked about their new book, “Quiet, Please”, the quality that their membership expects, the influx of celebrity influence into golf and how it has brought new eyeballs and his most recent work, “A Course Called Home”.

Mike Weir joined today’s show with host Gary Williams. Weir talked about being a captain for the upcoming Skechers World Champions Cup, how he tried to bring the Presidents Cup team together culturally, how he grew up with a chip on his shoulder and a hockey mentality, how often he wore his Green Jacket and what is next for the Champions Tour.

Xander Schauffele joined today’s show with host Gary Williams. Among the topics of discussion were his new life as a dad, the upcoming Skins game he will participate in the day after Thanksgiving, how being in tight spots has led to confidence, his play at the Ryder Cup giving him a boost; what USA golf may look like post Ryder Cup and some of his favorite and least favorite Thanksgiving Day foods.

Justin Parsons & Chris Como joined the program today to wrap up our Teachers Week. Como discussed the evolution of training in golf and it’s not just a few guys, it’s all of them or they are losing to the field. He also talked about chasing speed for professionally and for recreational golfers. Finally, he talked about his relationship with Xander Schauffele. Parsons talked about Butch Harmon and his belief to instill confidence in his players, the greats all possess the aptitude to learn, his relationship teaching Xander Schauffele and what makes him so good and working with Aldrich Potgieter and not messing up his speed.

Mark Blackburn & Michael Breed joined the program today.  Blackburn talked about how being a player helped him as a coach; how he builds up his players in part by framing the persistent data and how he is motivated to get players to raise their ceilings. Breed feels golfers need to be athletes as that is the foundation that gives them belief. He also feels golfers need movement and the difference in the 2-D and 3-D environment, speed as a difference maker and what separates the Harmon’s.

Jim Furyk, Erika Larkin & Jason Baile joined the program today. Furyk will be a big part of the upcoming Sketchers World Champions Cup, and he talked about that event and what makes it great. He also discussed his role in the team events over the years, playing with Tiger and what the older generation of golfers still does best. Baile coaches and teaches some of the best players and talked about setting goals, how to use technology and making players accountable so they could frame their process. Larkin talked about how she got started in the game both from a playing and teaching perspective, some of the fundamentals she teaches and how to eliminate the steering of the club.