A Touch of Class

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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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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.
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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. 
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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 @thomas_higgins123 or email thomashiggins280103@gmail.com.
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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.
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