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. 4d ago

    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

    1h 24m
  2. May 19

    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

    1h 27m
  3. Apr 29

    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

    1h 50m
  4. Apr 22

    Mark Cadden – West of Ireland Champion, Irish International & Rising Star | A Touch of Class Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Meath’s own Mark Cadden — 2026 West of Ireland Champion, Irish international, and one of the most exciting young players emerging in Irish golf. Mark reflects on his journey from growing up in Oldcastle to developing his game at Roganstown under coach Geoff Loughrey, where he transformed from a 21‑handicap junior to a + player in just a few years. He talks about his early success, including winning the 2023 Ulster Boys Championship and collecting four Junior Elite Tour victories across 2024 and 2025. Mark also shares his experiences representing Ireland at U16 and U18 level, travelling to Argentina for international duty, and competing at TPC Sawgrass in the Junior Players — a rare honour for any young golfer. The episode dives deep into his incredible run at Rosses Point, where he battled brutal conditions and defeated some of Ireland’s best, including Caolan Rafferty, Alex Kerins, and Colm Campbell in a dramatic final to win the 2026 West of Ireland Championship. Topics Covered: Growing up in Oldcastle and developing at RoganstownWorking with Geoff Loughrey and rapid handicap progressionWinning the 2023 Ulster Boys ChampionshipFour Junior Elite Tour victories in 2024 & 2025Representing Ireland at U16 & U18 levelCompeting at TPC Sawgrass in the Junior PlayersThe full story of his 2026 West of Ireland winLooking ahead to Walker Cup ambitionsIf you enjoy stories of rising Irish talent, elite junior golf, and the mindset behind championship performances, this episode is one you’ll want to hear. Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

    1h 37m
  5. Apr 14

    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

    1h 18m

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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