Five Clubs

THE PLAYERS Championship takes center stage this week at TPC Sawgrass, and Gary Williams breaks down everything to watch heading into one of golf’s biggest events.
Gary discusses Akshay Bhatia’s win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the current form of Scottie Scheffler, and what to expect from Rory McIlroy after withdrawing at Bay Hill with a back issue. With the PGA TOUR’s flagship event returning to the Stadium Course, the show looks at why THE PLAYERS has become one of the most unique and challenging tournaments in golf.
Guests include Ewan Murray (The Guardian) and Nick Dougherty (Sky Sports) offering a European perspective on the event, while Taylor Zarzour and Arron Oberholser discuss course strategy, the evolution of the PGA TOUR schedule, and what makes TPC Sawgrass such a demanding test.
The episode also explores the history of THE PLAYERS Championship, the design philosophy of Pete Dye, and why the famous 17th island green remains one of the most dramatic holes in sports. 5 Clubs airs on Golf Channel and SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio (Channel 92).
0:00 Opening Thoughts
4:52 Arnold Palmer Invitational Recap
14:30 Ewan Murray
29:15 Nick Dougherty
56:30 Taylor Zarzour
1:15:25 Arron Oberholser
1:29:35 Picks of the Week
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We are live from the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational at the Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton, FL and host Gary Williams is joined by Pro Football Hall of Famers Thurman Thomas, Calvin Johnson and Marcus Allen as well as PGA TOUR Champions Billy Andrade, Bo Van Pelt, Jay Haas and Darren Clarke.

Gary Williams hosts a two-hour edition of 5 Clubs as the PGA TOUR heads to Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Webb Simpson, 2018 PLAYERS Champion and U.S. Open winner, joins in studio to discuss the evolution of TPC Sawgrass, the challenges of competing as a part-time player, and what makes the Arnold Palmer Invitational such a demanding test. Two-time PGA TOUR winner Akshay Bhatia also stops by to share thoughts on his early-season form and the key stretch of events beginning at Bay Hill.

Brendon de Jonge breaks down Scottie Scheffler’s recent starts, Rory McIlroy’s strong West Coast swing, and which rising young players could make a move during Florida’s biggest weeks. Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter adds insight on PGA TOUR scheduling discussions, potential structural changes ahead, media rights trends, and the growing business landscape around signature events and major championships.

With Bay Hill setting the stage for one of the premier events of the season, this episode covers competitive storylines, the business of the game, and the momentum building toward THE PLAYERS Championship and beyond.

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

Gary Williams delivers a full Monday recap on 5 Clubs following a dramatic finish at the Cognizant Classic while turning attention toward Bay Hill and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Nico Echavarria captured his third PGA TOUR victory after Shane Lowry’s late collapse at PGA National, and Gary breaks down the pivotal moments that decided the tournament while examining what the finish reveals about pressure, execution, and closing on TOUR.

President of Seminole Golf Club Jimmy Dunne joins the show to preview the historic Seminole Pro-Member, offering insight into the tradition, legacy, and enduring appeal of one of golf’s most revered clubs. PGA TOUR Live analyst and 2001 Byron Nelson champion Robert Damron also weighs in on Lowry’s late-round struggles, the mental side of finishing tournaments, and what players must do to contend at Bay Hill as the TOUR prepares for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The episode also highlights Hannah Green’s victory at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, Casey Jarvis’ breakthrough win and major championship opportunities, expected course conditions at Bay Hill, and recent USGA honors including recognition for Tiger Woods.

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

On this Wednesday show, Gary dives into the big conversation around the Cognizant Classic and why the field has shifted over the years, plus what PGA National needs to keep its edge and identity as the Florida swing begins.

Gary also unveils the first 2026 edition of “Club 5,” our weekly heat check on the players trending right now, featuring names like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Chris Gotterup.

Then it’s two great conversations. 2-Time PGA TOUR winner and Golf Analyst, Matt Every, joins with thoughts on what makes Florida golf different, how players adjust to Bermuda, and what this stretch of the schedule demands. PGA TOUR Winner, Golf Analyst, and host of ‘The Smylie Show’, Smylie Kaufman joins to talkabout Ludvig Åberg and Jordan Spieth returning to form, a look ahead to THE PLAYERS Championship, what that week truly feels like for players, and what’s missed most about the tournament’s former May setup.

We wrap with Dogs of the Week and our picks for the Cognizant Classic. 5 Clubs airs on Golf Channel and SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio (Channel 92).

0:00 Opening Thoughts
2:45 Opinion on Cognizant Classic
9:50 Club 5 Power Rankings
13:56 Matt Every
28:00 Smylie Kauffman
42:55 Dogs and Picks of the Week

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