Irish Golf Desk

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Noel Fox and Ross Young join GUI National Academy as assistants

The new Better Golf team at the GUI National Golf Academy, from left, Noel Fox (Assistant Professional), Kenny Fahey (Head Professional), Ross Young (Assistant Professional)

Noel Fox has taken a giant step in his career and joined the coaching staff at the GUI National Golf Academy as an assistant to newly promoted Head Professional Kenny Fahey.

The former Walker Cup player and six-time championship winner from Portmarnock is joined on the staff by Rosslare's Ross Young, who also takes up an assistant's position.

Alan Kelly, Manger of the GUI National Golf Academy, said: “We are thrilled to have two wonderful Assistant Professionals join us on staff. The combination of youth and experience will boost our offerings to members and the general public alike. 

"With Kenny Fahey as Head Professional the Academy continues to offer golfers the chance to learn at a world-class facility with tuition of the highest standard.”

While Young will take on the responsibility of managing the growing junior programme at the Academy, Fox will be taking on group clinics, specialising in short game work for both the elite and ordinary golfer.

Both Assistants will  observe GUI National Panel sessions and will be mentored by both Kenny Fahey and GUI National Coach Neil Manchip.

Noel Fox (Assistant Professional, GUI National Golf Academy) gives some advice during a lesson at the Academy.

Noel Fox

One of Ireland’s most successful amateur golfers, Noel Fox captured six major championships during a glittering career, most notably two Irish Amateur Open titles in 2000 and 2003. A Walker Cup team member on the winning side in 2003, Fox made 70 senior international appearances for Ireland from 1996 – 2003.  He holds several course records including a round of 60 at Mullingar.
 
He turned to the professional game in 2005 and competed in a number of European Tour events. He also was a member of the European Challenge Tour and topped the Europro money list in 2008.
 
Throughout his playing career Noel was fortunate to work with some of the greatest names in golf, including John Jacobs, Denis Pugh, Bob Torrance, David Leadbetter, Pete Cowen and Dr. Bob Rotella.
 
According to the GUI, "Noel believes he can bring the best of what he has learned from these greats to the GUI National Golf Academy and help improve his client’s scores and game."
 

Ross Young

Coming from a family steeped in a history of golf coaching, Ross has worked as an Assistant Professional in both Ireland and Spain.

He attended the Darren Clarke Golf School from 2010-2012 having had a successful underage career in the amateur ranks.

Young is a former Ulster and Leinster Under 15 Boys Champion and has two All-Ireland gold medals from representing Rosslare on the winning teams in 2008 and 2009 in the Fred Daly Trophy. He has represented Ireland at underage level in the Four Nations Under 16 Development match and finished third at the Reid Trophy (England U14 Boys) in 2008.

Kenny Fahey

After representing Ireland on numerous occasions at Boys level, Kenny attended the University of Rhode Island on a golf scholarship under legendary coach Tom Drennan. He captained the golf team during his final two years and led them to their first Division I final. After four years with Drennan, he obtained an honours degree in Psychology.

Having joined the Academy staff in 2008, Kenny completed his PGA training under the guidance of GUI National Coach Neil Manchip in 2011. Between 2011 and 2014, Kenny held the position of Staff Professional and held responsibility for all the Academy’s range of Better Golf Clinics, Junior Camps and private lessons.

He still plays competitively and in 2013 was the winner of two PGA Irish Region titles, including a six under par 66 at Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club.