by Carrigan Bain | May 11, 2026
Gary Williams opens this edition of 5 Clubs from Quail Hollow Club with a deep look at the Truist Championship, highlighting firm and fast course conditions, the strategic challenge facing players, and the broader significance of the event’s return to Charlotte. He also reflects on the unveiling of Charlie Sifford’s statue and what it represents for the game’s history, while diving into the evolving landscape of professional golf, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau’s latest comments and what they signal about the ongoing tension between LIV Golf and the PGA TOUR. Bill Rogers, CEO of Truist, joins to discuss the company’s landmark investment in the PGA TOUR and the Truist Championship. He shares insight into why the partnership goes beyond sponsorship, how it impacts the Charlotte community year-round, and what success looks like for fans, players, and stakeholders alike. Lucas Glover, U.S. Open champion and PGA TOUR Player Advisory Council chairman, offers a candid perspective on both his game and the state of professional golf. He reflects on his past win at Quail Hollow, breaks down the challenges of the course, and provides thoughtful insight into TOUR governance, player perspectives, and the path forward amid ongoing changes in the sport. Adam Sperling, executive director of the Truist Championship, explains what sets a Signature Series event apart and how organizers balance player expectations with sponsor goals. He details the effort to create a premier fan experience while maintaining the tournament’s legacy and deep ties to the Charlotte community. Steve Smith Sr., former Carolina Panthers wide receiver, and Jonathan Stewart, former Carolina Panthers running back, bring energy and personality as they talk about their connection to golf, competing in the pro-am, and what it means to be part of a major golf event in a city they still call home. Taylor Zarzour, PGA TOUR Radio host and Charlotte resident, joins to provide local insight and broadcast perspective on the Truist Championship. He discusses the atmosphere around Quail Hollow, how the course conditions could shape scoring, and what storylines fans should be watching as the week unfolds.
by Carrigan Bain | May 11, 2026
Gary Williams sets the stage from Quail Hollow Club ahead of the Truist Championship, highlighting the evolution of this PGA TOUR stop into a premier Signature Series event. He reflects on the course’s history, Rory McIlroy’s dominance at the venue, and the broader storylines shaping the current PGA TOUR season—from competitive parity to the importance of elite fields and championship venues. The conversation also touches on course conditions, including drought challenges in the Southeast, and how Quail Hollow continues to test the best players in the world. Michael Kim, PGA TOUR winner, joins to discuss the current state of the TOUR, including player perspectives on competition, governance, and the evolving landscape of professional golf. He also reflects on his standout college career and shares insights into what it takes to compete at the highest level, offering fans a candid look at life on TOUR. Rex Hoggard, senior writer for Golf Channel, breaks down the biggest storylines heading into the week, including the debate around Player of the Year and the depth of talent across the PGA TOUR. He and Gary discuss the balance between dominance and parity in today’s game, and why this season feels as competitive as ever. Sherry Graziano, Head of Digital, Client Experience and Marketing at @truist, explains how the championship goes beyond golf, focusing on community impact, sustainability, and year-round engagement in Charlotte. She details how initiatives tied to the event aim to create lasting economic and philanthropic benefits, making the tournament more than just a four-day competition. Keith Wood, Director of Greens and Grounds at Quail Hollow Club, provides a behind-the-scenes look at course setup, detailing the challenges of maintaining championship conditions amid drought conditions. He explains how firmness, green speeds, and agronomy decisions shape the test players will face. Keith Stewart, founder of Read The Line, brings a betting and analytics perspective to the conversation, breaking down key storylines for the week and how course fit, recent form, and statistical trends factor into evaluating the field. He offers insight into players to watch at Quail Hollow and explains how fans can better understand the nuances behind performance data when following the PGA TOUR. Johnny Harris, President of Quail Hollow Club, and Johno Harris, chairman of the Truist Championship, share their vision for the event and the role it plays in Charlotte’s sports culture. They discuss the importance of delivering a world-class fan experience while continuing to elevate the tournament as one of the PGA TOUR’s marquee stops.
