by Carrigan Bain | Jun 16, 2026
Gary Williams recaps one of the most compelling days in golf as U.S. Open Final Qualifying—better known as “Golf’s Longest Day”—comes to a close with players from around the world punching their tickets to next week’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. From established PGA TOUR veterans to rising amateur stars, Gary breaks down the stories, performances and emotions that make qualifying one of the most unique days in sports. Then, longtime Golf Channel host Rich Lerner joins the show to discuss his new book, Aren’t You That Golf Guy? Rich shares stories from his upbringing at the Dorneyville Golf Center in Pennsylvania, the colorful characters who shaped his love for the game, memorable moments from his broadcasting career and what he learned while writing the book. Rich also looks ahead to the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, discussing why the iconic venue remains one of the game’s greatest championship tests, lessons learned from previous championships there and what players will face next week on Long Island. In this episode:
- Golf’s Longest Day recap
- U.S. Open Final Qualifying results
- Jackson Ormond, Miles Russell and other qualifiers
- Rich Lerner on Aren’t You That Golf Guy?
- Stories from Dorneyville Golf Center
- Behind-the-scenes insights from Golf Channel
- Shinnecock Hills U.S. Open preview
- Early thoughts on the 2026 U.S. Open field
by Carrigan Bain | Jun 16, 2026
Gary Williams dedicates this special edition of 5 Clubs to one of the most unique and compelling days in golf: U.S. Open Final Qualifying. With more than 700 players competing across North America for a place in the field at Shinnecock Hills, Gary recaps weekend winners including J.T. Poston and Nelly Korda before diving into the stories, pressure and opportunity that define “Golf’s Longest Day.” Brentley Romine, Golf Channel reporter and college golf insider, joins from the Palm Beach Gardens qualifying site to discuss several of the top young players in the field, including Luke Clanton, Luke Poulter and Miles Russell. Romine explains why this year’s qualifying class features some of the brightest rising stars in the game and what makes their paths to the U.S. Open so compelling. Brent Paladino, Senior Director of Championship Administration for the USGA, provides an inside look at the logistics behind U.S. Open qualifying. Paladino explains how more than 10,000 entrants are narrowed down to the championship field, how qualifying sites are selected and why the U.S. Open remains one of the most accessible championships in sports. Dalen Cuff, Golf Channel reporter and former Columbia University basketball player, checks in from Purchase, New York, where two courses are hosting final qualifying. Cuff highlights several notable contenders and discusses the unique pressure players face while chasing a spot in the year’s third major championship. Todd Lewis, Golf Channel reporter, joins from the Ohio qualifying site to preview a field featuring PGA TOUR veterans, former major champions and emerging talent. Lewis discusses players including Lucas Glover, Bud Cauley and Denny McCarthy while sharing stories of how Golf’s Longest Day has often served as a turning point in players’ careers. Rex Hoggard, senior writer for Golf Channel, reports from the Canadian qualifying site and breaks down one of the strongest fields in final qualifying. Hoggard discusses Max Homa, Taylor Moore and several other PGA TOUR players attempting to earn their way into the U.S. Open field. Ryan Lavner, senior writer for GolfChannel.com, joins Gary to discuss additional qualifying storylines from around the country, including players looking to seize a career-changing opportunity and others hoping to continue their journeys on golf’s biggest stages. James Colgan, news and features editor for GOLF.com, offers his perspective on Golf’s Longest Day, the significance of U.S. Open qualifying and the unique stories that emerge every year as players chase a place in the championship. Bob Harig, senior golf writer for Sports Illustrated, discusses the broader U.S. Open landscape, key contenders and the players who could use final qualifying as a springboard heading into one of golf’s most demanding tests. Brentley Romine returns later in the show with updates from Palm Beach Gardens, sharing leaderboard developments, notable performances and the latest from one of the day’s most competitive qualifying sites as the race to Shinnecock Hills intensifies.
