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. 4 days ago

    Patrick Keeling – 2026 Irish Amateur Champion & Rising Irish Golf Talent | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Patrick Keeling, the newly crowned 2026 Irish Amateur Champion after his unforgettable week at Seapoint Golf Club. Still only twenty one years old, Patrick has already built one of the most compelling résumés in Irish amateur golf, from finishing runner‑up in the 2020 Irish Close to playing with some of the best college prospects in the NCAA with the University of Louisville. Patrick takes Will through the story of his Irish Amateur win: the preparation, the mindset, the pressure, and the moments that defined the week. He speaks openly about the role his faith plays in his life and his golf, how it steadies him, guides him, and helps him navigate both success and struggle. The conversation then looks forward. Patrick shares his ambitions for the next chapter: continuing to develop in college, the possibility of turning professional, the dream of making a Walker Cup team, and his long‑term goal of representing Ireland at senior level. Honest, grounded, and driven, Patrick offers a rare insight into what it feels like to be a young Irish golfer on the rise. Topics Covered: Winning the 2026 Irish Amateur at SeapointThe mindset and preparation behind the victoryHis faith and how it shapes his approach to golfLife at Louisville and NCAA competitionThe journey from the 2020 Irish Close to nowTurning professional, when and whyWalker Cup ambitionsRepresenting Ireland at senior levelLong‑term goals and personal growth Patrick’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most exciting thing in golf isn’t the trophy, it’s the direction a young talent is heading.  Follow @ATOCPOD on Instagram for new episodes. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 21min
  2. 9 Jun

    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
  3. 14 Apr

    Paul McBride – Irish Professional, Walker Cup Player & Wake Forest Standout | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Malahide’s own Paul McBride - Irish professional golfer, 2017 Walker Cup player, and standout collegiate star from Wake Forest University. Paul reflects on his multi‑sport childhood, winning Dublin schools titles in hurling before committing fully to golf and developing his game at The Island Golf Club, where he learned the links skills that shaped his career. He talks about his journey to Wake Forest University, rooming and competing alongside future PGA Tour stars Cameron Young and Will Zalatoris, and winning multiple collegiate events as part of one of the strongest teams in U.S. college golf. Paul also revisits his elite amateur years, including reaching the semi‑final of the 2016 British Amateur (losing to Robert MacIntyre) and earning selection for the 2017 Walker Cup, where he secured a memorable foursomes point against his college teammate Zalatoris. Now a professional, Paul discusses his progress on tour, including multiple top‑10 finishes, a strong start to 2026, and his ambition to secure full status on the HotelPlanner Tour for next season. Topics Covered: Growing up in Malahide and early sporting successDeveloping his game at The Island Golf ClubLife at Wake Forest with Cameron Young & Will ZalatorisReaching the 2016 British Amateur semi‑finalRepresenting GB&I in the 2017 Walker CupTransitioning to professional golfEarly top‑10 finishes and goals for 2026If you enjoy stories of Irish professionals, elite amateur pathways, and the realities of life on tour, this episode is one you’ll enjoy. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 18min
  4. 31 Mar

    Chris Selfridge – PGA Tour Caddie, Irish Amateur Champion & Moyola Park Star | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Moyola Park’s own Chris Selfridge - four‑time Irish amateur major winner, elite collegiate player, and now a PGA Tour caddie working with some of the game’s biggest talents. Chris reflects on his rise through Irish amateur golf, including winning the East of Ireland and Irish Close in 2012, followed by back‑to‑back victories in the North of Ireland Championship in 2013 and 2014. He talks about his early ambitions to play professionally and the difficult injury that derailed his path to the European Tour. Chris shares how he rebuilt his career through caddying, starting with long‑time friend Michael Hoey, before moving on to work with Ryan Fox, Tom McKibbin, and now Matti Schmid on the PGA Tour. His journey is a powerful example of how golf can open unexpected doors - and how a setback can lead to a second act every bit as fulfilling as the first. He also reflects on still playing when he can at Moyola Park, celebrating their 2024 All‑Ireland Barton Shield victory, a moment he ranks among his proudest achievements. Topics Covered: Growing up at Moyola Park and early amateur successWinning the East, Close, and back‑to‑back North of Ireland titlesThe injury that ended his professional playing ambitionsTransitioning into caddying with Michael HoeyWorking with Ryan Fox, Tom McKibbin & Matti SchmidLife on the PGA Tour from inside the ropesMoyola Park’s 2024 Barton Shield All‑Ireland winIf you enjoy stories of resilience, reinvention, and life at the highest levels of the game, this episode is one you’ll love. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 12min
  5. 17 Mar

    Sam Murphy – Portumna Golfer, Irish Pro & Alps Tour Champion | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Portumna’s own Sam Murphy - Irish professional golfer and recent Alps Tour winner on his professional debut in Egypt. Sam talks through his journey from junior golf in Portumna, where he helped the club win the All‑Ireland Junior Cup in 2018, to becoming one of the most exciting young Irish pros on the rise. His amateur career was stacked with big wins, including an 8‑shot victory at the Under 18 Close and a dominant 10‑shot win at the Connacht Stroke Play on home soil. But Sam’s story isn’t just trophies and momentum. He opens up about the injuries that nearly pushed him out of the game, the doubts that crept in, and the resilience it took to keep going. Now, with a professional win already under his belt, he’s chasing the dream - and aiming for the HotelPlanner Tour and eventually the DP World Tour. A grounded, honest, and hugely talented young player - Sam Murphy is one to watch. Topics Covered: Growing up in Portumna golfWinning the All‑Ireland Junior CupMajor amateur victories and breakthrough momentsBattling injuries and rebuilding confidenceWinning on the Alps TourGoals for the next stage of his careerIf you love Irish golf stories and rising‑star journeys, this episode is well worth a listen. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 28min
  6. 10 Mar

    Jamie Dreelan – Tommy Fleetwood Academy Coach in Dubai | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith chats with Jamie Dreelan - Wexford native, PGA Professional, and coach at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy in Dubai, where he works with some of the biggest names in the game, including Tommy Fleetwood, John Murphy, Paul Dunne, Ewen Ferguson, and Richard Mansell. Jamie’s journey began in Enniscorthy, where he helped the club win the Barton Cup in 2008. A talented player in his own right, he competed off a plus handicap before deciding to pursue the PGA Professional pathway. He completed his training while working in Carlow Golf Centre and Rosslare Golf Club, building the foundations of a coaching career that would eventually take him across the world. Taking a leap of faith, Jamie moved to Dubai and joined Jumeirah Golf Estates as a Golf Operations Manager. From there, an opportunity opened at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, and he hasn’t looked back since. Today, he’s coaching elite players on the global stage and carving out a remarkable career in high‑performance golf. A brilliant conversation with an Irish coach making waves internationally — and a great insight into the world of elite player development. Topics Covered: Growing up in Wexford golfWinning the Barton Cup with EnniscorthyBecoming a PGA ProfessionalMoving to Dubai and working at Jumeirah Golf EstatesCoaching at the Tommy Fleetwood AcademyWorking with tour playersLife and opportunities in elite golf coachingIf you’re interested in coaching, player development, or Irish golf stories on the global stage, this episode is a must‑listen. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    47 min
  7. 3 Mar

    Olivia Costello – Irish International & Rising Golf Star | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith chats with Olivia Costello, the 17‑year‑old Roscommon golfer who has already built one of the most impressive junior résumés in Irish golf - and she’s only getting started. Olivia burst onto the scene early, playing her first Senior Cup match at just 10 years old and reaching the semi‑final of the Irish Women’s Close at 12. Since then, she has collected major titles including the Irish Girls Open and Scottish Girls Open in the same season, along with last year’s Woodbrook Scratch Cup. On the international stage, Olivia has been a key part of multiple Irish teams: European Girls Team Championship – Bronze Medal2024 Junior Vagliano Trophy – Winners (ending an eight‑match losing streak to the Continent of Europe)Women’s Home Internationals – Champions in EnglandWith plans to attend LSU in the United States and ambitions to turn professional, Olivia is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s brightest young talents - a player with the game, mindset, and pedigree to go all the way. A grounded, focused, and hugely impressive young woman, Olivia’s story is inspiring and her future looks exceptional. Topics Covered: Early success in Irish junior golfPlaying Senior Cup at age 10Major amateur wins at home and abroadInternational team experiencesThe 2024 Junior Vagliano victoryPreparing for LSU and life in the USLong‑term goals and turning professionalA brilliant conversation with one of Ireland’s most exciting emerging golfers. Well worth a listen. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1hr 27min

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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