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A Touch of Class

A Touch of Class

By: Will Griffith – Host of A Touch of Class
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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, we bring 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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Episodes
  • Inside Athenry GC's Historic AIG Women's Junior Cup National Victory
    Oct 20 2026

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    In this episode, Will sits down with the newly crowned AIG Women's Junior Cup All-Ireland Champions, Athenry Golf Club. This historic campaign brought the ultimate prize back to the club, healing the heartbreak of a silver medal finish back in 2017. We look back at what it took to conquer the national stage, from the nervous opening tee shots right through to the final moments at Millicent Golf Club.

    The conversation tracks the team's relentless march through the summer, including a highly stressful provincial semi-final and a dominant Connacht Final win over Galway Bay, both played on the familiar terrain of Loughrea Golf Club. The panel breaks down the incredible team dynamic, featuring legendary captain Marie Carr, alongside rising teenage talents and Connacht U18 Interpro panels stars Aoife McCormack, Cara O'Neill, and Nicole Joyce.

    Highlights Covered:

    • The 2017 Redemption: How the club finally claimed the green national pennant after a painful final defeat to Limerick nine years prior.
    • The Loughrea Advantage: Navigating a brutal provincial bracket on a course that felt like a second home to the management panel.
    • Youth vs. Experience: Blending Marie’s 45 years of competitive club experience with a wave of fearless junior golfers who played with absolute freedom.
    • Managing the All-Ireland Gauntlet: Breaking down the gritty quarter-final victory over Killeen, the waiting game of a delayed semi-final against former champions Rockmount, and the final showdown with Malone.
    • The Secret Weapon's Winning Putt: The inside story of 15-year-old Nicole Joyce stepping up in the anchor position to securely roll in the winning putt on the 13th green to seal national history.

    An authentic look at a historic club milestone. Athenry Golf Club shares their story.

    Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • How a Former World No. 1 is changing global golf (Brendan Lawlor)
    Oct 13 2026

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    In this episode, Will sits down with former World Number 1 and two-time G4D Open Champion, Brendan Lawlor. Brendan has been a central figure in reshaping the global landscape of adaptive golf, turning professional under Modest! Golf Management and competing at the highest levels of the sport. We look back at his major tournament successes, the strategic realities of playing on a global tour, and the work being done behind the scenes to create a sustainable, commercial future for the next generation of players.

    The conversation covers the core foundations of Brendan's game, beginning with his early years dominating the national pitch and putt circuit at Channonrock and developing his golf game as a junior at Ardee Golf Club. Brendan shares insights into how he developed his swing mechanics entirely by feel, his close mentorship and on-course relationship with major champion Pádraig Harrington, and the early childhood health challenges he faced, including a heart condition and knee surgeries. The panel also discusses the realities of life on the road as a touring professional and the pride of seeing young players move through the development pathways to earn their own international caps.

    Highlights Covered:

    • The Pitch & Putt Foundation: How early success on local short courses engineered the sharp short game and touch he relies on today on the professional circuits.
    • Childhood Medical Hurdles: A straightforward look at managing early health challenges, including recovering from infant heart surgery and multiple operations before transitioning into full-time golf.
    • The Pádraig Harrington Relationship: Moving from a young fan hunting an autograph at Baltray in 2009 to becoming close peers trading mental and technical coaching advice.
    • The Touring Professional Reality: Discussing the practical logistics, travel demands, and the distinct lifestyle shift that comes with turning professional.
    • The Evolution of the Tour: Looking at the transition from exhibition fields to independent, prize-money events that truly value the competitive standard of the players.

    An authentic look at the dedication, structure, and consistency required to compete at the absolute top tier of global sport. Brendan Lawlor shares his story.

    Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • How Athlone GC bridged a 67 year wait to claim the Men's Junior Cup All Ireland
    Oct 6 2026

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    In this episode, Will sits down with the newly crowned AIG Men's Junior Cup All-Ireland Champions, Athlone Golf Club. This historic campaign brought a green national pennant back to Hodson Bay for the first time in 67 years. We look back at what it took to bridge that massive gap, from the local brackets right through to the final putts at Millicent Golf Club.

    The conversation tracks the team's steady progress through the summer, including a very tight provincial semi-final against Galway and a memorable Connacht Final win over Westport on the day the Mayo footballers won the All-Ireland. The panel breaks down the unique team dynamic, featuring playing captain Marc Butler, the key additions of Shane Kelly and Jed Moylette, and the incredible story of having a 13-year-old competing on the national stage.

    Highlights Covered:

    • Bridging the 67-Year Gap: The significance of bringing a green national pennant back to Athlone for the first time since 1959.
    • The Connacht Campaign: Navigating a tough provincial field, including the tight matches against Galway and the final win over Westport.
    • A Unique Team Mix: How the squad blended experienced adult competitors with a fearless 13-year-old team member.
    • The Finals Gauntlet at Millicent: Breaking down the victories over The Curragh in the Quarter-Final, Clontarf in the Semi-Final, and the tight deciding match against Tramore.
    • The Balcony Welcome: The local celebrations at Hodson Bay and the scene of 200 members lining the clubhouse balcony to welcome the team home.

    An authentic look at a historic club milestone. Athlone Golf Club shares their story.

    Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

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    1 hr and 59 mins
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