Barry Hawkins Credits Late Legend Terry Griffiths for Career Transformation
Winning a major title is always a milestone, but for Barry Hawkins, his victory at the February 2026 Welsh Open carried a deeper emotional weight. The world number 11 has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former coach and mentor, the late Terry Griffiths, stating that the Llanelli legend “changed my career unbelievably.”
For Hawkins, the triumph wasn’t just about the trophy; it was a fitting tribute to a man who helped him evolve from a journeyman into a champion. Following the win, Hawkins received a moving message from Griffiths’ son, Wayne, who shared that his father would have been incredibly proud of the achievement.
From Journeyman to Champion: The Hawkins-Griffiths Partnership
Barry Hawkins worked with Terry Griffiths for six or seven years, a partnership he credits with turning his professional trajectory around. Before their collaboration, Hawkins describes himself as having been “a bit of a journeyman” who was drifting in his career.
The influence of Griffiths persists long after their formal partnership ended. Hawkins notes that whenever his game struggles, he returns to the basics they established together to gain back on the “straight and narrow.” One of the most critical lessons he learned from Griffiths was the importance of trusting the mental side of the game over purely technical execution.
The Extraordinary Legacy of Terry Griffiths
Terry Griffiths was more than just a coach; he was one of the most respected figures in the history of Welsh sport. Born and raised in Llanelli, Griffiths’ rise in the snooker world was meteoric. He won the World Snooker Championship at his first attempt in 1979, defeating Dennis Taylor 24-16 in the final.
Griffiths achieved the prestigious “Triple Crown” by adding the following titles to his resume:
- World Championship: 1979
- The Masters: 1980
- UK Championship: 1982
Beyond his playing accolades, Griffiths reached a career-high of third in the world rankings and was awarded an OBE in 2007 for his services to snooker. After retiring from professional play in 1997, he transitioned into a highly successful career as a coach and a BBC Sport commentator.
A Mentor to the Game’s Greatest
Griffiths’ impact extended far beyond Barry Hawkins. He became an accomplished mentor, helping a wide array of top professionals refine their game. His list of pupils includes some of the most decorated names in the sport, such as Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams, Mark Allen, Ding Junhui, Marco Fu, Stephen Maguire, and Ali Carter.
His ability to blend technical guidance with mental fortitude made him a sought-after coach, ensuring that his philosophy continued to influence the game long after he stopped competing.
Final Days and Lasting Impact
The snooker community lost Terry Griffiths on December 1, 2024, at the age of 77. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully in his hometown of Llanelli after a lengthy battle with dementia.
The loss was felt deeply across the sport. Mark Williams described him as a “mentor, coach, friend, legend,” while Judd Trump too paid tribute to the former champion after defeating Barry Hawkins 10-8 in the final of the UK Championship in York.
Key Takeaways: Terry Griffiths’ Career
- Triple Crown Winner: Won the World Championship (1979), Masters (1980), and UK Championship (1982).
- Career High: Ranked 3rd in the world.
- Honors: Awarded an OBE in 2007.
- Coaching Influence: Mentored stars including Barry Hawkins, Stephen Hendry, and Mark Williams.
- Passing: Died December 1, 2024, aged 77.
Terry Griffiths’ journey from a postman to a world champion and eventually a world-class coach remains an inspiration. Through the continued success of players like Barry Hawkins, Griffiths’ voice and wisdom continue to resonate on the professional circuit.
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