A Touch of Class

Will Griffith – Host of A Touch of Class

A Touch of Class is an Irish golf podcast that loves a wander. Hosted by Will Griffith, the show dives into the stories, journeys, and characters that make Irish golf what it is. No scripts, just honest conversations, detours worth taking, and the people who shape the game. Each episode features players, coaches, caddies, amateurs, pros, and the personalities who give Irish golf its character. From Irish amateur golf and the Irish Amateur Championship to life on tour, coaching, player development, and the game behind the game, A Touch of Class brings you closer to the people and moments that matter. The podcast also shines a light on Ireland’s great inter‑club traditions — Senior Cup, Barton Shield, Jimmy Bruen, Pierce Purcell, and the All‑Ireland club champions who have shaped the competitive landscape of Irish golf. If you love Irish golf, great stories, and the feeling of going for a wander and seeing where you end up, this is your podcast.

  1. 3 days ago

    Matt McClean – Masters & U.S. Open Golfer, Walker Cup Player | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Belfast’s Matt McClean - U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion, Masters and U.S. Open golfer, Walker Cup player, Irish Amateur Champion and one of the most consistent Irish amateurs of the past decade. Matt reflects on his rise through Irish amateur golf, from years of close calls in national championships to his breakthrough win at the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur at Erin Hills, a victory that earned him invitations to the 2023 Masters and the 2023 U.S. Open. He talks about competing at Augusta National and Los Angeles Country Club, the scale of those weeks, and the belief that comes from testing yourself against the very best. He also looks back on representing Great Britain & Ireland in the 2023 Walker Cup at St Andrews, playing on the Old Course in one of the most iconic editions of the match. And after so many near misses at home, Matt finally claimed the title he had chased for years - winning the 2024 Irish Amateur in Co Sligo. Topics Covered: Early years in Belfast and rise through Irish amateur golfYears of close calls in Irish championshipsWinning the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur at Erin HillsPlaying the 2023 Masters at Augusta NationalCompeting in the 2023 U.S. Open at LACCRepresenting GB&I in the 2023 Walker Cup at St AndrewsWinning the 2024 Irish Amateur in Co SligoIf you love Irish golf stories, elite amateur insight, and the journey behind the achievements, this episode is one you’ll savour. Follow @ATOCPOD on Instagram for new episodes  Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 44min
  2. 17 June

    Mario Rosenstock – Gift Grub, Golf Stories, Impressions & U.S. Open Preview | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Mario Rosenstock - the creator of Gift Grub, one of Ireland’s most iconic comedic voices, and a man whose relationship with golf runs far deeper than most people realise. Mario dives straight into the world of Gift Grub: how the characters are built, the spark behind the voices, and the moment golf found its way into the sketches. He talks about the craft behind the comedy, the pressure of keeping characters fresh, and the joy of finding new angles in a world that never stops moving. The conversation shifts to Mario’s own golf - the rounds that shaped him, the stories that stuck, and the moments that still make him laugh. From playing with Paul O’Connell to the thrill of his hole‑in‑one, Mario brings the same timing and honesty to his golf stories that he brings to his performances. And the impressions are flowing. Peter Alliss. Pádraig Harrington. Paul McGinley. Rory McIlroy. One after another, each one pitch‑perfect and delivered with the detail and instinct that have made Mario one of Ireland’s most recognisable performers. The episode wraps with a look ahead to the U.S. Open - the storylines, the contenders, and why this year feels wide open. Topics Covered: The evolution of Gift Grub and how characters are createdWhen golf first entered the sketchesMario’s own golf journey and favourite storiesPlaying with Paul O’ConnellThe story behind his hole‑in‑oneLive impressions: Alliss, Harrington, McGinley, McIlroy and moreA preview of the 2026 U.S. OpenIf you love great characters, great stories, and the kind of laughter that sneaks up on you, this episode is one you’ll savour. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    55 min
  3. 9 June

    Ella Cantwell – Inaugural West of Ireland Champion, Irish Junior Star | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Esker Hills’ own Ella Cantwell - the 2026  Inaugural Women’s West of Ireland Champion, Irish international, and one of the most exciting young golfers rising through the ranks. Ella reflects on her journey through junior golf, from growing up in Offaly and developing her game at Esker Hills Golf Club - the same club that produced West of Ireland and Open Champion Shane Lowry - to becoming one of the standout performers on the Irish amateur circuit. She talks through her breakthrough win at Castle Dargan in 2026, the mindset that carried her through the final day, and the work behind her rapid rise. Ella also chats about balancing school with elite competition, the influence of her coaches and family, and the goals she’s chasing as she continues her climb through Irish and international amateur golf. Topics Covered: Growing up in Offaly and developing at Esker HillsEarly junior success and winning Leinster Senior Foursomes with TullamoreWinning the 2026 Women’s West of Ireland Championship at Castle DarganKey moments and mindset from her victoryCoaching influences and technical developmentBalancing school, travel, and elite competitionGoals for the season and long‑term ambitionsIf you love stories of rising talent, elite junior golf, and the mindset behind breakthrough performances, this episode is one you’ll savour. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 24min
  4. 19 May

    Katie Poots – Irish Girls Champion, Junior Vagliano Star & Future Pro | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with one of the brightest young talents in Irish golf - Katie Poots. Hailing from Knock Golf Club in Northern Ireland, Katie has already built a résumé that reads like a seasoned player. Katie burst onto the scene with her victory at the Irish Girls Championship, a win that marked her as one to watch. She went on to represent Ireland twice at the European Girls Team Championships, showcasing her consistency and composure on the international stage. Katie also earned selection for the Junior Vagliano Trophy, competing against the best young players in Europe. Closer to home, she claimed the Ulster Women’s Stroke Play Championship and played a key role in Ulster’s Interprovincial victories, delivering when it mattered most. Now based in Indiana, USA, Katie is balancing college life with elite competition - sharpening her game, gaining experience, and preparing for the next chapter. And make no mistake: that next chapter is big. Katie plans on turning professional, and everything about her trajectory suggests she’s more than ready. Topics Covered: Growing up at Knock Golf ClubWinning the Irish Girls ChampionshipRepresenting Ireland at the European Girls Team ChampionshipsJunior Vagliano Trophy experienceUlster Interprovincial victoriesCollege golf in IndianaPreparing for life as a future professionalA wonderful personality, a fierce competitor, and a player who can go low when it counts - Katie Poots is a name you’re going to hear a lot more of. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 27min
  5. 29 Apr

    Eddie McCormack – Senior Irish Champion, European Gold Medalist & Irish Golf Icon | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Cavan’s own Eddie McCormack — Senior Irish Amateur Open Champion, Matchplay Champion, European Gold Medalist, and one of the great characters of Irish golf. Eddie reflects on his remarkable two‑act career. In his early years, he battled the very best: losing the 2005 Irish Close final to a teenage Rory McIlroy, falling to Shane Lowry in the 2008 West of Ireland semi‑final, and finishing runner‑up again in the 2010 West. Along the way he collected three Senior Cup All‑Ireland medals, a Barton Shield title with Galway Golf Club, eight mid‑amateur wins, and the 2018 Connacht Stroke Play. But Eddie’s second act is even more extraordinary. He relives winning the 2023 European Senior Individual Gold Medal at Douglas, a victory that earned him a place in the Senior Open, where he played alongside his hero José María Olazábal. In 2025, Eddie made history by becoming the first player ever to win both the Senior Irish Amateur Open and Senior Matchplay in the same season, before adding a European Senior Team Championship gold medal in Austria. Topics Covered: Growing up in Cavan and early amateur battlesFacing Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry & Ireland’s eliteSenior Cup and Barton Shield success with GalwayEight mid‑amateur titles & the 2018 Connacht Stroke PlayWinning the 2023 European Senior Gold MedalPlaying in the Senior Open with José María OlazábalMaking history with the 2025 Senior Open & Matchplay doubleWinning European Senior Team gold with IrelandIf you love Irish golf legends, comeback stories, and the grit behind long‑term success, this episode is one you won’t forget. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 50min

About

A Touch of Class is an Irish golf podcast that loves a wander. Hosted by Will Griffith, the show dives into the stories, journeys, and characters that make Irish golf what it is. No scripts, just honest conversations, detours worth taking, and the people who shape the game. Each episode features players, coaches, caddies, amateurs, pros, and the personalities who give Irish golf its character. From Irish amateur golf and the Irish Amateur Championship to life on tour, coaching, player development, and the game behind the game, A Touch of Class brings you closer to the people and moments that matter. The podcast also shines a light on Ireland’s great inter‑club traditions — Senior Cup, Barton Shield, Jimmy Bruen, Pierce Purcell, and the All‑Ireland club champions who have shaped the competitive landscape of Irish golf. If you love Irish golf, great stories, and the feeling of going for a wander and seeing where you end up, this is your podcast.

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