A Touch of Class
A Touch of Class is an Irish golf podcast that loves a wander. 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, A Touch of Class brings 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.
A Touch of Class
Áine Donegan – Curtis Cup Winner, US Open Star & Aspiring Professional | A Touch of Class Podcast
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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith catches up with Áine Donegan, one of Ireland’s most exciting new professionals and a player whose amateur career ranks among the finest of her generation. Hailing from Co. Clare, Áine has built a remarkable résumé that includes:
- Curtis Cup victory (2024)
- Vagliano Trophy victory (2025)
- Senior Cup champion with Lahinch (2019)
- A decorated Irish amateur career
- A standout collegiate career at LSU
Áine became a global name at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, where she qualified brilliantly and then captured the hearts of fans with fearless play, personality, and poise. She backed it up by qualifying again for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open at Hamilton, mixing with some of the biggest names in world golf along the way.
Will and Áine chat through her journey from Clare to college golf in the U.S., the highs of representing Ireland and GB&I, and the decision to finally turn professional. Her honesty, humour, and grounded nature shine throughout as she reflects on the moments that shaped her - and the dreams she’s now chasing.
A superb conversation with a genuinely lovely person who has already achieved so much and still has the world at her feet.
Topics Covered:
- Growing up in Co. Clare and early golfing influences
- Winning the Curtis Cup (2024) and Vagliano Trophy (2025)
- Senior Cup success with Lahinch
- Her standout career at LSU
- Becoming a sensation at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach
- Qualifying again for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open at Hamilton
- Mixing with the world’s best players
- Turning professional and what comes next
- Long‑term ambitions - including major championship dreams
A brilliant chat with a fantastic person - talented, humble, and an incredible ambassador for Irish golf. The future is bright.
Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy