A Touch of Class
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, we bring 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
Inside the Dynamic of a PGA Coach & Elite Amateur ( Gav Young & Niall Fitzgerald)
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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith brings something new to the series - a joint conversation with PGA Professional Gavin Young and Elite Amateur Niall Fitzgerald, a coach–student partnership built on trust, hard work, and a shared ambition to reach the top of Irish golf.
Gavin, based at Ballyneety Golf Club in Limerick - future host of the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup - is one of the region’s leading teaching professionals. Before turning pro, he was a plus‑handicap golfer who began his career in Adare Manor, where he even shared a range session with Rory McIlroy. Now at Ballyneety, Gavin coaches players of all levels and has become a key figure in Niall’s rapid rise.
Niall’s story is equally compelling. A former Munster underage rugby player up to U20 level, he lived the disciplined life of elite sport until injury forced him to step away from rugby. Turning to golf later than most, he brought that same drive, structure, and competitive mindset to the game. Under Gavin’s guidance, he has set his sights on becoming one of the best amateurs in the country.
Together, they discuss their training approach, the mental and physical demands of high‑performance golf, and the friendship that has grown alongside the coaching relationship.
Topics Covered:
- Gavin’s journey from Adare Manor to Ballyneety
- Sharing a range session with Rory McIlroy
- Coaching philosophy and player development
- Niall’s transition from elite rugby to elite amateur golf
- How structure, discipline, and mindset transfer between sports
- Their goals for the future — individually and together
- The importance of trust in a coach–player partnership
A fantastic conversation with two gentlemen who bring honesty, ambition, and a genuine love for the game. Well worth a listen.
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