A Touch Of Class

40 Episodes
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By: Will Griffith / Tom Dowdall / Barry Doyle

We are an Irish Golf Podcast who talk about all things golf and want to really engage our listeners by chatting about amateur golf also.

Class Chat - Caolan Rafferty - 3 time Irish Amateur Major winner and Walker Cup Player
Today at 7:00 AM

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In our latest class chat, Will is joined by the one and only Caolan Rafferty, as well as winning 3 of the 4 Irish Amateur Golf majors, representing Ireland in home internationals and European Championships, the Dundalk man represented GB & I in the walker cup and will hopefully earn his call up again very soon. The 2 lads chat all about growing up in Greenore Golf Club before moving to Dundalk, stepping away from the game to re-group and returning stronger and helping Golfers of all abilities to improve their game by fitting them with the...


Class Chats - Malahide Golf Club - 2024 All Ireland Mixed Foresomes Champions
Last Friday at 8:00 AM

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Welcome back to another exciting Class Chat. In this chat Will catches up with Malahide Golf Club who are 2024 All Ireland Mixed Foresomes Champions. On the episode are Orla McMahon and Jim McMahon who were managers of the team in 2023 and 2024 and are also brother and sister. Also we have Darragh Smith who was manager in 2015 and player in 2023 and 2024. Malahide have come close on a couple of occasions to winning all Irelands in the mixed including 2015 and more recently 2023. The guys know what heartbreak feels like and talk us through the downside...


Class Chats - David Howard - East of Ireland Champion 2025
08/19/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will catches up with David Howard who won the East of Ireland Championship in 2025. Coming from Cork and playing his golf in Fota Island, David grew up playing pitch and putt and won an all Ireland medal under 16. He then moved across to the big course and has continued his success there. He notably beat his father in the final of the 2019 Muskerry Junior Scratch Cup which is one of his best family memories. David has seen steady progress in his championship results over 2024...


Episode 19 - Classy Lahinch
08/12/2025

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Welcome back to another episode with Barry and Will. In this episode we hear about Barrys struggles with his game. Will is living the dream playing and travelling the country going to every event possible. Is Lahinch heaven on earth? Will thinks so. Barry talks through all the Tour Talk. Particularly poor Tommy Fleetwood. Will he ever win on the PGA? The lads chat through all the action that has happened and then look a little bit to the future with the Ryder Cup. Rosey locked in which is great. Will then talks...


Class Chats - Hugh Foley - 4 time Amateur Major Champion and Alps Tour Professional
08/05/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will gets to chat with Hugh Foley who is a professional on the Alps Tour presently. In his amateur career Hugh won the 2020 Close, 2021 West of Ireland, 2022 North and South of Ireland. He also represented Ireland in the Home Internationals and Europe in the Concession Cup. The lads chat through all the above and also what has been happening this year on the pro tour. Listen in to hear about the highs of winning and also the lows of losing tight matches. A great...


Class Chat - Cian Arthurs - World Champion Golfer
07/29/2025

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In our latest class chat, Barry catches up with the amazing Cian Arthurs, Cian is a 2 time world champion 1 arm golfer and playing captain in this year's Fightmaster cup, the equivalent of the Ryder cup for 1 armed golfers, played this year in Roganstown Golf Club. Cian talks about growing up and how a chance meeting with a 6 time major champion helped him to fall in love with Golf. Cian also talks about his family life as himself and his partner welcomed twin boys last year. A truly inspirational gentleman and a great listen.<...


Class Chats - A Different Class
07/22/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will and Barry look back at the Open from Portrush and the inevitability of Scottie Scheffler's win. Just how good is this guy? They then discuss who had the better year between Rory and Scottie and are we seeing the second coming of Tiger or is Scottie just a flash in the pan... Here is a good question: Do we want to see Scottie V Rory singles Sunday of the Ryder Cup in September??? It might be what the people want but maybe not...


Episode 18 - Open Class
07/15/2025

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In our latest episode, the 3 lads are back and are talking all things Golf, a quick re-cap of the Pga tour since the US open, a chat about the Ladies Golf and the impressive Lottie Woad, Will has been travelling the country following the elite amateurs of Ireland, men and women and then the lads get into a great discussion about all things Open Championship and offer a few things to look out for this week in the beautiful Portrush.

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Class Chats - Patrick Keeling - Elite Irish Amateur and Aspiring Pro
07/08/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will catches up with Patrick Keeling. Patrick is currently over in the US on a golf scholarship with Louisville in Kentucky who are a top school playing in the NCAA. Jump in and listen to how this young man won the Fred Daly and the Senior Cup in the same year. He has tested himself in the Irish Championships and has played globally and won, all while only 20 years old. More recently Patrick got to the final stage of US Open qualifying alongside none...


Class Chats - Beth Coulter - Irish Girls and Women's Close Champion 2022 and Irish International
07/01/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chats. In this episode Will catches up with Beth Coulter. She is an Irish Elite Amateur from Co Down. She has a golfing CV that a lot of golfers would dream of. 3 times Irish Girls Close Champion (2019 / 2021 / 2022) and won the Irish Women's Close in 2022. She is the only person to win the Girls 3 years in a row and to win the girls and women's in the same year. She was part of the Home International team that won the crown in 2024. She was part of the winning Curtis...


Class Chats - Ryan Griffin - Elite Irish Amateur
06/24/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. Will sits down with one of Ireland's rising stars - Golf Ireland High Performance elite amateur Ryan Griffin. Hailing from Ballybofey and now playing for Maynooth University, Ryan has already made serious waves in the amateur game. He's a two time R&A Student Series Order of Merit champion, with one of those wins coming at none other than the Home of Golf - St. Andrews. Be sure to take a listen as Ryan opens up about his journey so far, what drives him, and where he's...


Class Chats - Ardee Golf Club - Jimmy Bruen Champions 2024
06/17/2025

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Welcome back to another exciting Class Chats. In this episode Will catches up with Adree Golf Club Jimmy Bruen team who are 2024 All Ireland Champions. In the chat are Manager Eddie Burke, assistant manager Mickey Duffy and players Brian Keenan and Mannie McLoughlin. It is always interesting to hear about the preparation that each successful team go through and Eddie and Mickey bring us through what they did to be successful. This team had to win 9 matches to win the All Ireland coming through North Leinster. Join in as the lads bring us...


Episode 17 - Class in Session
06/10/2025

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It's U.S. Open week! In this episode, Tom talks about his recent tournament results and reveals a fun experience that he had being paired with a famous athlete. He also gives a sneak peak into what's next on his schedule and the prep that goes into it. Barry discusses his Pro-Am results and hints at an exciting new opportunity. Will updates us on his club matches as well as his individual game and journey ahead. The lads also dive into who they think will win the U.S. Open as well as...


Class Chats - Luke O'Neill - Mullingar Scratch Cup Winner 2023 and Irish International
06/03/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will catches up with Luke O'Neill from Connemara Golf Club where he grew up and played his junior golf. The lads chat about Luke's junior win in Germany, his Senior Cup victories with Galway Golf Club and his journey across the pond to play his College golf in America. This included a win in one college event and also final qualifying for the US Open. Back home Luke won the Mullingar Scratch Cup in 2023 and played and won the Home internationals in 2024 both of...


Class Chats - Zoe McLean Tatton - 2025 Flogas Irish Girls Amateur Champion
05/27/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will chats with 2025 Flogas Irish Girls Amateur Champion Zoe McLean Tattan. Zoe is a hugely talented 17 year old golfer playing off +4 handicap who last week beat all in front of her in Coorstown to take the massive crown of champion. Originally from Romford in the UK Zoe now represents Ireland as her father is from Mitchelstown in Cork. Listen in as they chat through her success. Zoe has won an all England with Essex, came 2nd in national schools championships, recently came 3rd in...


Class Chats - Brian Doran - Bridgestone Order of Merit Champion 2024 - Part 2
05/20/2025

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Welcome back for part 2 of a wonderful chat with Brian Doran who is the Bridgestone Order of Merit Champion 2024. We ended part one with Brian's impressive second place in the South of Ireland in Lahinch. We continue and jump straight into talking about his amazing victory in the Mulligan Scratch cup. Then onward to his club success with Millicent in the Barton Shield and then to representing Ireland in the Mid Am tournament in France. It all came down to the North of Ireland in Portrush and nothing was decided until the last...


Episode 16 - Class Celebration
05/13/2025

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Welcome back to another episode. As Tom is away in the UK preparing for an event Barry and Will meet up to chat all things golf. This is also a special occasion for the lads as this episode marks 50 releases to date. To mark the occasion there is a giveaway for one lucky follower. Details to follow. The lads catch up about their games. Barry is nearly there with his exams and Will is playing lots of interclub golf. Scotty has recently destroyed all before him and Barry goes into detail about the...


Class Chats - Alex Maguire - Elite Amateur and Aspiring Pro
05/06/2025

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In our latest class chat, Will got a chance to chat to Alex Maguire, one of Ireland's best amateur players over the past few years, culminating in qualification for the 151st Open Championship in Royal Liverpool, Alex is now pursuing his professional career on the mini tours around the world including the Hotel Planner Tour, tune in to listen to his amazing story as he goes through the many ups and downs of being an elite level golfer.

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Class Chats - Athenry Golf Club - Mens Junior Cup Champions 2024
04/29/2025

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In this episode Will catches up with the Athenry golf club Mens Junior Cup team who were victorious in winning the all Ireland final in 2024. On the episode are Eamonn Morrissey (Manager), Ciaran Coughlan and Brendan Dunne who both played the season long event. With the finals being held in Athlone in September of last year the lads take Will on a journey through Connaught and to the final match against Abbeyleix. This is a great journey told by three gentlemen who really enjoyed reliving the moments along the way. Worth a listen. 


Class Chats - Brian Doran - Bridgestone Order of Merit Champion 2024 part 1
04/22/2025

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With the West of Ireland concluding today it felt appropriate to bring you a Class Chat with Brian Doran who was the Bridgestone Order of Merit Champion 2024. In Part 1 Will and Brian chat about 2023 form, 2024 prep and all the events in the year up to an including the South of Ireland where Brian came second. What an exciting year for Brian including representing Leinster in the interpros and such a lovely gut to chat with. This is definitely worth a listen. Part 2 will be released in a few weeks. 

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Episode 15 - Rory's Master Class
04/15/2025

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In our latest episode, the 3 lads have just come down from one of the greatest sporting days of all time. The final round from Augusta, Georgia gave us everything. Come backs, blow ups, eagles, double bogeys, you name it we seen it. Justin Rose managed 10 birdies, Rory had 2 double bogeys, Ludvig burned over 500 thousand dollars by making a mess of 18. Have a listen and reach out to us with your thoughts and your emotions from Sunday. 

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Class Chats - Quentin Carew - Irish Close Champion 2022
04/08/2025

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will catches up with Quentin Carew who won the Irish Close Championship in 2022. Listen in as Quentin brings us through the rags to riches story of the Close. Also, Quentin was very close to retaining his trophy in 2023 with a heartbreaking playoff loss. This is a great listen with a gentleman who is very open and honest about the highs and lows of championship golf and life in general. 

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Episode 14 - In a Class of Her Own feat. Clodagh Coughlan
03/15/2025

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In Episode 14, the lads bring you the latest updates on their golfing journeys. Will gives us an insight into the success of his play, Tom teases an exciting upcoming interview, and Barry shares his experience from a recent windy event. Most importantly, the lads sit down with the incredible Clodagh Coughlan to chat all things golf and find out what her plans for the 2025 season are. Don't miss this jam-packed episode full of insights and more!

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Class Chats - Ryan French (Monday Q Info)
03/10/2025

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In this episode, Tom sits down to chat with Ryan French, better known as Monday Q Info. Ryan has built a massive following on social media for his deep-dive journalism, uncovering the stories of underdogs, grinders and the harsh realities of chasing a tour card. He shares his thoughts on the current state of the game, how it could be fixed, the ground breaking pieces he's about to release and even reveals the most famous contacts in his phone. This is one you won't want to miss!

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Class Chats - Castletroy Golf Club - Mens Senior Cup Winners 2024
03/04/2025

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Welcome back for another exciting Class Chat. In this episode Will catches up with Olly Hodges (Manager), Andrew McCormack and Dean McMahon (both players) from the Castletroy Senior Cup team from Limerick who were victorious in the 2024 Senior Cup played in Carlow. Listen in as Olly explains how he and his management team took this special bunch of lads from their first round versus Nenagh all the way through to what might be considered a David V Goliath final against Castleknock. Andrew and Dean speak about the ups and downs of all the...


Class Chats - Jack Madden - Clutch Tour Order of Merit Champion 2024
02/25/2025

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Welcome back to another exciting Class Chat. In this episode Will catches up with Jack Madden. Jack is a native of Dungannon in County Tyrone and played his early golf in the local club before moving to play in Portrush from the age of 15. The conversations start in his early days and follows his journey through his American college days and then back to the Clutch tour where he won the order of merit in 2024 including 2 tour wins. From leading the East of Ireland to being a semi finalist in the West of...


Episode 13 - Class Prep
02/18/2025

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In our latest episode the 3 lads chat about everything. The lads are loving the start Ireland have made to the six nations, Tom goes into some details about his training and food routine since started working with Coach Ste Rice. Barry gives an update on his speed journey with the Stack system. We have our usual chat about all the tours with a very excited Will loving the new Rory McIlroy swing and loves his chances heading to Augusta. The episode finishes with a little discussion about Golf clothing and should we be...


Class Chats - Paul Conroy - PGA Americas Tour
02/02/2025

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In this Class Chat Will catches up with Paul Conroy. Originally from Wexford Paul started his golf career playing in Enniscorthy golf club where he would have had success at Barton Cup level. He played at the elite amateur level across Ireland with some lovely stories of some interesting championships. It was great to hear about him receiving his first cap for Ireland in Wales last year and has most recently turned professional after a successful time as part of the US college golf scene. What is next for this young gentleman as...


Class Chat - Anna Foster - L.E.T. Player
01/26/2025

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In our latest class chat, Barry catches up with Ireland's own Anna Foster, after a stellar amateur career, Anna ventured across to the states to compete for Auburn College, after 4 great years that included an Irish Close and Irish Am victory as well as qualifying for the AIG women's open in Walton Heath, she then turned pro, got her first pro victory and secured her ladies European tour card. 

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Episode 12 - A Classy start to 2025
01/19/2025

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Welcome to 2025. A new year with familiar voices. Will, Tom and Barry are back and discuss their dreams and goals for 2025 both golf related and personal. Will is dreaming of club golf success, Barry is dreaming of a nice summer holiday and Tom is targeting a tour card! We talk all things tour related - was the Team Cup any good? Was Lowry right not to go to Hawaii? Are LIV making the right moves? And is TGL any good? Barry gives some advice on what is new on the market at the...


Episode 11 - Christmas Class
12/16/2024

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In our last episode of the year, Barry and Tom reflect on a great year for us all on A touch of class, we look back on the great guests we have been lucky to have, we briefly discuss the last few weeks in the Golf world including win number 9 for Scottie and Rory picking up yet another race to Dubai title. The lads talk about their recent 9 hole skins game and how that played out. The 3 of us here would like to wish all our loyal listeners and followers a fantastic Christmas...


Class Chats - Douglas Ladies Senior Cup Winners 2024
11/20/2024

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In this Class Chat Will had the pleasure of catching up with some of winning team from the Ladies Senior Cup 2024. Representing Douglas Golf Club were Aoife Ni Thuama, Clodagh Coughlan and Karen O'Neill. What a great bunch of people which made this such a great chat as the ladies talk openly about losing the final in 2022 in Tramore Golf Club and how that was a crushing blow. This then enabled them to be better in 2024 and go and win the Cup in Carlow golf club. Special mentions to Kate McCann and Peter...


Episode 10 - Class Year
11/11/2024

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In our latest class chat, Will and Barry sit down to have a review of the professional golf tours from 2024, Tom is over in Italy playing The Alps tour Q school but took time out to have a chat with Barry about his last few weeks and his plans for the rest of the year. We had the one and only Will Griffith in the hot seat for the quiz, can he beat Barry's score? In our operation transformation talk, Will has fallen in love with the gym again and is busy pumping...


Class Chat - Lindsey Doyle - Sports Nutritionist
11/02/2024

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In our latest chat, Barry caught up with Lindsey Doyle, a sports nutritionist and personal trainer. Lindsey offers advice to all golfers on the importance of fuelling your body and staying hydrated to give you the best chance of performing your best on the course. She also offers some little tips and hints on what to carry in your Golf bag to really excel on the last few holes. Follow Lindsey on @femalefightnutritionist for more hints and tips.

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Class Chat - Ronan Mullarney - Challenge Tour Player
10/22/2024

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In our latest class chat, Barry got to sit down with Galway's finest, Ronan Mullarney, currently on the challenge  tour after winning the Alps Tour order of merit last year, Ronan chats about his life growing up in Galway, meeting and then sharing a private jet with Bryson Dechambeau and how his year has gone so far. He also answers some soul searching questions posed by Will and Tom.

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Class Chats - IGOLF Handicaps - Good or Bad??
10/09/2024

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In this Class Chat the lads all get together to discuss IGolf new handicap system as part of Golf Ireland. What is it? Who can use it? More importantly is this a good or bad thing? The camp is split as Barry is in favour of it while Will is against. Tom is a little on the fence so from a voting point of view we are split. Let us know your thoughts to @atocpod on Instagram or atocpod@gmail.com. 

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Class Chats - Lee Crombleholme - Golf Psychologist
09/26/2024

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In our latest class chat, Tom brings us his mental coach and all round good guy Lee Crombleholme, Lee has coached all levels of Golfers and boasts over 18 Dp world and Pga Tour victories. Can he help Will get back to low single figures and can he help Barry get past the mental block of playing well with a Tournament scorecard in his pocket? Tune in to find out and look Lee up on all social media platforms on @winninggolfmind...

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Episode 9 - Class Special
09/24/2024

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Welcome back to another exciting episode of A Touch of Class. Tom is at Q School trying to get his tour card so Will and Barry bring in a special guest from Scotland Susie Wood. Susie is a scratch golfer who plays her golf in the home of golf St Andrews and was recently working at the AIG Womens Open so she gives her insights into the event. Barry talks all things mens golf and then back to Susie for her thoughts on the recent Solheim Cup. We announce our winner of last...


Class Chats - Curracloe Golf Course designers Fry Straka
09/06/2024

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will had the great opportunity to chat with Dana Fry and Jason Straka who are well known golf course designers located in the US. They are also currently designing the new golf links in Curracloe, Co Wexford. This is an interesting listen as the 2 gentlemen talk through their favourite courses that they have designed and not designed. They also give Will an education on Links courses, set up and grasses. Finally they get around to discussing the new course in Curracloe. If you are...


Class Chats - Enniscorthy Golf Club 3 Time Barton Cup Winners
08/30/2024

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Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will catches up with 3 of his fellow members in Enniscorthy Golf Club. Butch O'Connor, Jim Delaney and Liam Spratt. Not only are Enniscorthy Golf Club the only team in Wexford to have won the Barton Cup they have won it 3 times and the 3 gentlemen have been involved as either managers or players on all 3. Listen in as Will guides them through each victory as the lads get lost in the many memories along the way. A really nice listen. 

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