A Touch of Class: Exploring the Soul of Golf – Details, episodes & analysis

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A Touch of Class: Exploring the Soul of Golf

Will Griffith

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Health & Fitness

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Frequency: 1 episode/9d. Total Eps: 118

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.

Topics Covered: Amateur golf championships, club history, course design, major tournaments, player interviews and the culture of competitive golf.

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Data updated on 15/10/2026

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How a Former World No. 1 is changing global golf (Brendan Lawlor)

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 • Duration 01:13:29

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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.

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How Athlone GC bridged a 67 year wait to claim the Men's Junior Cup All Ireland

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 01:58:52

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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.

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How County Sligo GC Captured the Women’s Senior Foursomes All-Ireland

Monday, September 28, 2026 • Duration 01:46:35

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In this episode Will sits down with the newly crowned 2026 Women's Senior Foursomes All-Ireland Champions, County Sligo Golf Club. Following a long gap away from the event, Rosses Point marked their return to the national stage with a breathtaking, historic championship campaign. We dive straight into the intense tactical focus, the nerve-shredding pressure of elite foursomes golf, and exactly what it means to finish the season by bringing a green national pennant back to the west coast.

Beyond the headline success at the national finals, the conversation tracks the squad's remarkable journey through the local and national brackets. We look back at their opening rounds against Roscommon and Gort, before moving into a dramatic Connacht Final showdown against Galway Golf Club that was pushed all the way to a gripping 19th-hole climax. The panel also opens up about the unique team dynamics of the campaign from the flawless top-flight partnerships anchored by their internationals, to the reality of drafting in key squad members straight out of the Leaving Cert exam halls to storm the All-Ireland series at Shandon Park.

Topics Covered:

The Foursomes Formula: Breaking down the tactical preparation and mental grit required to dominate Ireland's most brutal match-play format.
The 19th Hole at Galway: Inside the razor-thin margins and intense pressure of their dramatic Connacht Final victory.
Exam Halls to Fairways: How the squad seamlessly integrated their Leaving Cert stars straight into the high-stakes All-Ireland weekend.
The Shandon Park Campaign: Reviewing the strategic masterclass that dismantled Wexford, Bevoir Park, and Elm Park in the national finals.
Bringing the Pennant Home: The pride of writing a new chapter in the history of Rosses Point and how the club celebrated the victory.

An authentic look at the highs, and the resilience it takes to succeed at the All Ireland Finals. County Sligo Golf Club shares their story.

The Senior Treble: Completing Ireland's Ultimate Grand Slam (Joe Lyons)

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 01:23:45

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In this episode, Will sits down with a true legend of the modern Irish amateur circuit, Offaly native and Galway Golf Club stalwart Joe Lyons. In a remarkable showcase of elite longevity, 2026 has seen Joe cement his status at the very top of senior golf, capturing both the Irish Senior Men's Open and the Senior Men's Close Stroke Play championships. This incredible summer follows his back-to-back Senior Close Match Play crowns in 2023 and 2024, alongside a gritty run to the All-Ireland semi-finals at Enniscorthy. We dive straight into the focus required to dominate the senior ranks and the deep mental toughness behind his recent victories.

Beyond his senior success, we look back at his crowning individual victory at the 2007 West of Ireland Amateur Open at Rosses Point, before moving into his status as a team anchor, spearheading Galway Golf Club to four All-Ireland Senior Cup titles and a prestigious Barton Shield pennant. Joe also speaks with absolute candor about the unique pressure of elite match play, opens up about his struggles with addiction, and how golf has given has always given him an escape.

Topics Covered:

An Honest Account: Joe opens up about his struggles with addiction, the process of recovery, and taking a break from the sport.
Club Legacy: The intense pride of driving Galway GC to four Senior Cup wins and a Barton Shield title, alongside their deep semi-final runs.
The 2007 West of Ireland: Remembering a dramatic, 18th-hole finale at Rosses Point with his wife Vera reading the winning line.
The Match Play Double: Looking back at his back-to-back Senior Close Match Play national titles in 2023 and 2024.
The 2026 Senior Dominance: Inside his victories at the Irish Senior Open and Close Stroke Play championships this summer.
The Future: Looking ahead to the US and UK major national senior titles when he turns 55.

An authentic look at the highs, the lows, and the resilience it takes to succeed on the course. Joe Lyons shares his story.

From the Portumna Close Tree Escape to Turning Pro at the Irish Open (Thomas Higgins)

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 01:19:14

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will sits down with one of the most exciting young talents in professional golf, Roscommon’s Thomas Higgins. In an absolute whirlwind year, Thomas completely dominated the amateur landscape before fearlessly transitioning into the pro ranks. We dive straight into the incredible high-pressure moments that defined his year from his collegiate days at Clemson University to holing the legendary, drought-breaking winning putt to secure European Team Gold for Ireland.

Beyond his historic team accolades, the conversation tracks Thomas's individual masterclass on home soil. We look back at the tactical grit and miraculous tree-escape playoff shot that saw him crowned the Irish Amateur Close Champion at Portumna, before moving into his victorious performance at the Home Internationals at Woodbrook. Thomas opens up about the sting of his Walker Cup omission, using it as immediate fuel to turn professional, making a thrilling pro debut at the Amgen Irish Open, and topping the leaderboard at Stage 1 of Q-School in Bristol. Finally, we look ahead to his upcoming Stage 2 marathon grind and what the future holds for his rising career.

Topics Covered:

The Clemson Foundation: How his time in the US collegiate system sharpened his competitive mindset.
The Golden Masterclass: Breaking down the 18-year European Team Championship drought in Estonia, the dramatic 20th-hole water hazard recovery, and holing the winning putt.
The Irish Amateur Close: The inside story of the intense playoff at Portumna and pulling off the escape shot of a lifetime.
Flawless at Woodbrook: Driving the national team forward with a victorious week at the Home Internationals.
Turning Professional: Channeling the disappointment of a Walker Cup reserve spot into fire for his pro debut at the Amgen Irish Open and topping Stage 1 of Q-School.
The Next Horizon: Prepping for the grueling Stage 2 Q-School marathon and his ultimate goals on tour.

An authentic look at the highs, the high-stakes pressure, and the elite mindset it takes to jump from amateur glory to the professional grind Thomas Higgins shares his story. If you would like to sponsor Thomas please get in touch with him on Instagram @ or email thomashiggins280103@gmail.com.

What It Takes to Top the Golf Ireland Men's Bridgestone Order of Merit (Ger Dunne)

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 • Duration 01:33:26

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will sits down with the newly crowned 2026 Bridgestone Men's Order of Merit Champion, Ger Dunne. In an incredible showcase of efficiency and elite play, Ger secured the top spot on the national leader board after teeing it up in just five ranking events over the season. We dive straight into the strategic focus required to maximize every single tournament appearance and what it means to finish the year as the number-one ranked amateur golfer in the country.

Beyond his headline success in 2026, the conversation tracks Ger's journey through the ranks of Irish competitive golf. We look back at his younger days learning the game on the iconic links of Seapoint Golf Club and County Louth Golf Club (Baltray), before moving into his standout career in top team events including the realities of deep runs and semi-final finishes in the Senior Cup and Barton Shield at Douglas last year. Ger also opens up about his long-standing love for the East of Ireland Championship, the pride of earning his first Mid-Amateur Ireland cap last year, and representing his country at the Home Internationals at Woodbrook this summer. Finally, we look ahead to his upcoming Mid-Am selection this week and what the future holds for his golf career.

Topics Covered:

Early Links Roots: Growing up and developing his game at Seapoint and Baltray.
Club Golf Realities: Competing in the Senior Cup and Barton Shield, including last year’s semi-final run at Douglas.
The East of Ireland: His deep affection and history with one of amateur golf's true major championships.
International Caps: Reflections on pulling on the green jersey at the Mid-Amateur level last year and the Home Internationals at Woodbrook this season.
The 2026 Bridgestone Order of Merit: The incredible achievement of topping the national rankings from just five tournament appearances.
What's Next: Looking ahead to this week's upcoming Mid-Am cap and future goals in the game.

An authentic look at the highs, the near-misses, and the elite mindset it takes to dominate Irish amateur golf - Ger Dunne shares his story.

Inside Golf Ireland Presidency and R&A Rules (Michael Evans)

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 01:31:30

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will sits down with a figure who has been a pillar of sportsmanship, governance, and officiating in Irish sport for decades - Michael Evans of Athlone Golf Club. Long before becoming a respected leader in the golf world, Michael’s sporting roots began in Monaghan, where his early days in Castleblaney saw him rise through the ranks to proudly represent his county on the hurling field. That early competitive drive and deep love for community sport eventually followed him to the midlands, where a move to Athlone saw him fall head-over-heels for the game.

His passion for the club game sparked a remarkable 25-year journey of voluntary service, propelling him through regional committees, elite R&A rules officiating on the DP World Tour, and ultimately to the absolute pinnacle of the sport: serving as the President of Golf Ireland. It was a historic year in office that featured unforgettable milestones, none greater than standing behind the ropes at Augusta National to watch Rory McIlroy secure his elusive career Grand Slam in stunning fashion.

Topics Covered:

Early days in Castleblaney and the passion for grassroots Irish sport
Dual-sport dedication: Representing Monaghan in county hurling
Moving to the midlands, discovering Athlone Golf Club, and falling in love with the game
The path through golf administration to becoming a top-tier R&A Rules Official
Reflections on an unforgettable year as the President of Golf Ireland
Inside Augusta National: Watching Rory McIlroy win the Masters to complete the Grand Slam
Weekend Golfer Q&A: Clearing up the most common rules mistakes made on club medal days

From the hurling pitches of Monaghan to the pristine fairways of the Masters, Michael’s journey is defined by leadership, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to the game providing an unparalleled look at how golf is run, ruled, and revered.

From Almost Quitting US College Golf to Conquering Royal Portrush (Dylan Keating)

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 01:28:48

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will sits down with a player who has been on the radar in Irish golf for years - Dylan Keating of Seapoint Golf Club. One of the great juniors of his generation, Dylan’s rise began with a remarkable run of underage success: winning the Irish Under 16s in 2018, the Munster Boys in 2019, and the Ulster Boys in 2020. Those victories marked him as one of the most exciting young talents in the country and propelled him into the Irish panels before eventually taking him across the Atlantic to compete in college golf in the United States.

But 2026 has been the year everything came together. Dylan arrived at Royal Portrush with confidence and left with silverware - first winning the Ian Bamford Scratch Cup, then returning a few weeks later to capture the North of Ireland Championship, one of the biggest titles in Irish amateur golf. He followed that by representing Ireland at the Home Internationals in Woodbrook, and most recently came within a whisker of another major win, falling just short in a dramatic finish at the Irish Amateur Close in Portumna.

Topics Covered:

Early development and junior success
Winning the Irish Under 16s, Munster Boys, and Ulster Boys
Transitioning into the Irish panels
College golf in the United States
Breakthrough wins at Royal Portrush
Representing Ireland at the Home Internationals
The near‑miss at the Irish Amateur Close
Handling pressure, growth, and competitive mindset

A season defined by maturity, momentum, and major wins - Dylan Keating is a player trending in all the right directions.

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Mullingar Masterclass, Portumna Close Drama, and Packing Bags for the NCAA (Dylan Holmes)

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 • Duration 01:21:53

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with one of the most exciting young talents in Irish golf - Dylan Holmes. The Greystones native has built a reputation as a composed, technically sharp competitor, already stacking up major amateur titles and proving he can deliver when the pressure is highest.

Dylan’s journey began in the junior ranks at Greystones Golf Club, where he developed the fundamentals, confidence, and competitive instincts that would carry him through the Leinster and national circuits. Early success came quickly - first with the Wicklow Boys, then with the Fred Daly alongside a strong Greystones team - results that marked him as a player capable of rising to every challenge placed in front of him. Those formative years set the foundation for a breakout stretch that would put his name firmly on the Irish golfing map.

In 2025, Dylan produced one of the defining performances of his young career by winning the West of Ireland Championship, navigating Rosses Point with maturity and control beyond his age. He backed it up in 2026 with another marquee victory in the Mullingar Scratch Cup, joining a winner’s list that has long been a predictor of future success in Irish golf. Now, with two of the country’s most prestigious amateur titles on his CV, Dylan is preparing for the next chapter: heading to the United States to begin his NCAA Division I career at Seton Hall University, ready to test himself against the best of American college golf.

Topics Covered:

Early days and development at Greystones Golf Club
Winning the Wicklow Boys and the Fred Daly
Breakthrough victory at the 2025 West of Ireland Championship
Backing it up with the 2026 Mullingar Scratch Cup
The agony of losing the Close in a playoff.
Preparing for NCAA Division I golf at Seton Hall University
Handling pressure, confidence, and competitive mindset

A grounded competitor with serious potential and a future trending in all the right directions - Dylan Holmes is one to watch.

Fighting for the Tour Card: The Pro Golf Grind (Sara Byrne)

Monday, August 10, 2026 • Duration 01:38:17

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with one of the most resilient and exciting talents in Irish golf - Sara Byrne. The Douglas native has built a resume that already reads like an elite competitor, proving her grit on the international stage and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with on the professional circuit.

Sara’s journey began in the youth ranks at Douglas Golf Club, where she quickly developed her skills before rising through the national ranks to form a competitive yet friendly rivalry with fellow Irish star Beth Coulter, as well as others who pushed the standard of the game. Her amateur pedigree shone brightly on the national stage, highlighted by her historic victories as an Irish Girls Close Champion and a two-time Women's Irish Amateur Close Champion.

In 2020, Sara took her game to the United States for a stellar four-year collegiate career playing NCAA Division I golf for the Miami Hurricanes. Graduating in 2024, her world-class form earned her a spot representing Great Britain and Ireland in the prestigious 2024 Curtis Cup, capping off a phenomenal amateur career.

Transitioning to professional life, Sara’s resilience was tested immediately on the Ladies European Tour, where she faced the high-stakes pressure of needing to make 5 cuts in her final 7 events to secure her tour card. After a brutal right elbow gym fracture and ligament injury threatened to derail her momentum, Sara underwent intense rehab to fight her way back to the fairway. She pulls back the curtain on the raw reality, setbacks, and triumphs of the elite golf grind.

Topics Covered:

Early days and growing up at Douglas Golf Club
The friendly rivalry with fellow Irish amateur standout Beth Coulter, as well as others
College life in Miami from 2020 to 2024 playing NCAA Division I golf for the Hurricanes
Winning the Irish Girls Close and the Women's Close Championship 2 times
Representing Great Britain and Ireland in the prestigious 2024 Curtis Cup
The high-stakes pressure of keeping a Ladies European Tour card
Making 5 cuts in 7 events to secure professional status

A Touch of Class: Exploring the Soul of Golf – Details, episodes & analysis

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