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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Belfast’s Matt McClean - U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion, Masters and U.S. Open golfer, Walker Cup player, Irish Amateur Champion and one of the most consistent Irish amateurs of the past decade.

Matt reflects on his rise through Irish amateur golf, from years of close calls in national championships to his breakthrough win at the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur at Erin Hills, a victory that earned him invitations to the 2023 Masters and the 2023 U.S. Open. He talks about competing at Augusta National and Los Angeles Country Club, the scale of those weeks, and the belief that comes from testing yourself against the very best.

He also looks back on representing Great Britain & Ireland in the 2023 Walker Cup at St Andrews, playing on the Old Course in one of the most iconic editions of the match. And after so many near misses at home, Matt finally claimed the title he had chased for years - winning the 2024 Irish Amateur in Co Sligo.

Topics Covered:

• Early years in Belfast and rise through Irish amateur golf
• Years of close calls in Irish championships
• Winning the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur at Erin Hills
• Playing the 2023 Masters at Augusta National
• Competing in the 2023 U.S. Open at LACC
• Representing GB&I in the 2023 Walker Cup at St Andrews
• Winning the 2024 Irish Amateur in Co Sligo

If you love Irish golf stories, elite amateur insight, and the journey behind the achievements, this episode is one you’ll savour.

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Mario Rosenstock - the creator of Gift Grub, one of Ireland’s most iconic comedic voices, and a man whose relationship with golf runs far deeper than most people realise.

Mario dives straight into the world of Gift Grub: how the characters are built, the spark behind the voices, and the moment golf found its way into the sketches. He talks about the craft behind the comedy, the pressure of keeping characters fresh, and the joy of finding new angles in a world that never stops moving.

The conversation shifts to Mario’s own golf - the rounds that shaped him, the stories that stuck, and the moments that still make him laugh. From playing with Paul O’Connell to the thrill of his hole‑in‑one, Mario brings the same timing and honesty to his golf stories that he brings to his performances.

And the impressions are flowing. Peter Alliss. Pádraig Harrington. Paul McGinley. Rory McIlroy. One after another, each one pitch‑perfect and delivered with the detail and instinct that have made Mario one of Ireland’s most recognisable performers.

The episode wraps with a look ahead to the U.S. Open - the storylines, the contenders, and why this year feels wide open.

Topics Covered:

• The evolution of Gift Grub and how characters are created
• When golf first entered the sketches
• Mario’s own golf journey and favourite stories
• Playing with Paul O’Connell
• The story behind his hole‑in‑one
• Live impressions: Alliss, Harrington, McGinley, McIlroy and more
• A preview of the 2026 U.S. Open

If you love great characters, great stories, and the kind of laughter that sneaks up on you, this episode is one you’ll savour.

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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 Hills
• Early junior success and winning Leinster Senior Foursomes with Tullamore
• Winning the 2026 Women’s West of Ireland Championship at Castle Dargan
• Key moments and mindset from her victory
• Coaching influences and technical development
• Balancing school, travel, and elite competition
• Goals for the season and long‑term ambitions

If you love stories of rising talent, elite junior golf, and the mindset behind breakthrough performances, this episode is one you’ll savour.

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Bray’s own Keith Nolan — North of Ireland Champion, back‑to‑back Irish Amateur winner, Walker Cup player, and one of the most accomplished Irish golfers of his generation.

Keith reflects on his rise through Irish amateur golf, from winning the 1995 North of Ireland Championship to claiming the Irish Amateur titles in 1996 and 1997, achievements that cemented his place among Ireland’s elite. He talks about representing Great Britain & Ireland in the 1997 Walker Cup, his standout collegiate career at East Tennessee State University, and the journey that led to 87 starts on the PGA Tour.

Keith also chats about his current roles working with the Champions Tour and his role as caddie to Open Champion Darren Clarke.

Topics Covered:

• Growing up in Bray and early Irish golf influences
• Winning the 1995 North of Ireland Championship
• Back‑to‑back Irish Amateur titles in 1996 & 1997
• Representing GB&I in the 1997 Walker Cup
• Life at ETSU and transition to the PGA Tour
• Making 87 PGA Tour starts
• Caddying for Darren Clarke and life on tour today

If you love Irish golf history, elite amateur stories, and behind‑the‑scenes insight from the professional game, this episode is one you’ll savour.

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Donegal’s own Séamus McMonagle — PGA Professional, Barton Shield winner, and one of the most respected coaching voices in Irish golf.

Séamus shares his journey from growing up in Donegal’s tight‑knit golf community to competing at the highest levels of Irish amateur golf, winning national titles, and eventually turning professional. He talks about his time in Australia, New York, and Miami, the lessons he learned on the road, and how those experiences shaped the coach he is today.

Topics Covered:

• Growing up in Donegal golf
• Winning the Barton Shield with Sutton
• Life as a young Irish golfer abroad
• Coaching philosophy and player development
• Stories from the road and the people who shaped his journey

If you love Irish golf, great stories, and honest conversation, this episode is a wander worth taking.

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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 Club
• Winning the Irish Girls Championship
• Representing Ireland at the European Girls Team Championships
• Junior Vagliano Trophy experience
• Ulster Interprovincial victories
• College golf in Indiana
• Preparing for life as a future professional

A 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.

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Wexford’s own Luke Furlong — 2026 Irish Boys Open Champion, Irish Schools winner, and one of the brightest young talents in Irish golf.

Luke talks through his breakthrough victory at Malone, where he came from behind on Sunday to win the 2026 Irish Boys Open Championship, a performance that put him firmly on the national radar. He reflects on growing up in Wexford Golf Club, developing into a +3 handicap at just seventeen, and the confidence he gained from winning the 2025 Irish Schools Championship at Milltown.

Luke also shares his excitement about signing with Arkansas State University, his ambitions for college golf in the United States, and his long‑term dream of turning professional once his education is complete.

Topics Covered:

• Growing up in Wexford Golf Club
• Winning the 2026 Irish Boys Open at Malone
• The back‑nine momentum that sealed the title
• Winning the 2025 Irish Schools Championship
• Life as a +3 handicap junior golfer
• Committing to Arkansas State University
• Long‑term goals and the path toward professional golf

If you enjoy stories of emerging Irish talent, competitive junior golf, and the mindset behind breakthrough performances, this episode is one you’ll enjoy.

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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 battles
• Facing Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry & Ireland’s elite
• Senior Cup and Barton Shield success with Galway
• Eight mid‑amateur titles & the 2018 Connacht Stroke Play
• Winning the 2023 European Senior Gold Medal
• Playing in the Senior Open with José María Olazábal
• Making history with the 2025 Senior Open & Matchplay double
• Winning European Senior Team gold with Ireland

If you love Irish golf legends, comeback stories, and the grit behind long‑term success, this episode is one you won’t forget.

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