Fore Learning Professional Development Program

SPRING 2026

Assistants and Associates Network (AAN): Connecting In-Person 

Spring 2026
Date: TBD
In-Person - Location TBD

Assistants and Associates Network (AAN) - Working Abroad

March 12, 2026 

Session Focus: This session will provide insight into the professional and personal considerations of working in another province or taking a job out-of-country. Topics will include navigating certification requirements, employment expectations, cultural differences, and adapting to new environments, offering valuable perspective for those considering opportunities that would require relocating.

Speakers:
•        Alex Catherwood, Head Professional, Manitou Ridge
•        Sheldon Friske - Head Professional, Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo
•        Tayler Kimura, Director of Instruction, Bali Island Golf Academy
•        Jake Torrieri, Apprentice Professional, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

Fore Learning: Rules, Set-Up & More: Practical Golf Knowledge for Every Professional

Monday, March 2, 2026
In-Person @ The Thornhill Club

Fore Learning Chapter Tour Stop #2: "The Competitive Advantage" supported by Titleist

Monday, February 23, 2026
In-person @  TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

Fore Learning: Virtual World Handicap System Webinar 

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Session details: Since its launch in January 2020, the World Handicap System (WHS) has been adopted by more than 125 countries and is actively used by millions of golfers. The WHS continues to play in promoting and supporting the growth of the game globally.

This first revision to the Rules of Handicapping builds upon the original three objectives that have guided the development of the WHS since its inception and continue to serve as its foundation:

1. To encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index®
2. To enable golfers of differing abilities, genders, and nationalities to take their handicap to any course in the world and compete on a fair basis  
3. To indicate, with sufficient accuracy, the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving on any course worldwide, playing under normal conditions

2024 Principal Changes:

The 2024 revision introduces updates and clarifications in the following key areas:

•   Treatment of 9-hole scores
•   Scores used when hole(s) are not played
•   Stroke Index Allocation methodology
•   Emphasis on the importance of hole-by-hole (HBH) score posting
•   Introduction of the Handicap Committee Toolkit

Assistants and Associates Network (AAN) - Building Your Own Teaching Brand

February 12, 2026 

Session Focus: Excellent for professionals looking to grow their coaching presence, this session will focus on defining your teaching philosophy and value proposition as an instructor. Speakers will discuss how to effectively market yourself through lessons, programs, and digital platforms, and how to build a teaching brand that aligns with your goals and resonates with students.

Speakers:

•     Chris Dickenson, Ontario Golf Academy at Whistle Bear
•     Ethan Hunt, Ontario Golf Academy at Whistle Bear

Fore Learning Chapter Tour Stop #1: "Optimizing Performance" supported by CoachNow Academy

Monday, February 9, 2026
In-person @ Deer Creek Golf Club

Fore Learning: Club Fitting & Building Session

Thursday, February 5, 2025
In-person @ The Virtual Golf Club with Stew Bannatyne and Matt Sim 

Assistants and Associates Network (AAN) - The First 100 Days as a Head Professional

January 15, 2026

Session Focus:
This session will explore the immediate priorities, expectations, and realities of stepping into a Head Professional role. Panelists will share lessons learned from their first 100 days, including leadership challenges, relationship-building with staff and members, managing expectations, and setting yourself up for long-term success.

Speakers:    

• Jake Adams, Head Professional @ St. Thomas Golf & Country Club    
• Matt Bacon, Director of Golf @ Muskoka Bay Club    
• Brad Brown, Head Professional @ Lora Bay Golf Club    
• Meghan McDougall, Head Professional @ Wildfire Golf Club

Fore Learning: Negotiating and Landing in Your New Role

Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Virtual via Zoom

Fore Learning: Mastering the Art of Interviewing

Monday, November 24, 2025
Virtual via Zoom