A Touch of Class

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

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

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

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

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