He has spent more than a quarter-of-a-century teaching at some of the country’s finest golf facilities and, along the way, has garnered enough awards to fill a modest home.

Bill Forrest, former PGA of America National Teacher of the Year (2006) and four-time Southwest Section – PGA of America Teacher of the Year recently opened up THEgolfacademy at Whirlwind Golf Club in an agreement with Troon Golf and the Gila River Indian Community. In Chandler, Arizona, Whirlwind Golf Club is home to 36 holes of championship golf and the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa.

Working alongside another highly acclaimed golf instructor, Kent Chase, THEgolfacademy boasts a private, world-class practice facility, accentuated by a 30,000 square foot short game area. “THEgolfacademy is world class facility and will provide the ultimate golf experience for golfers of all ages and abilities, but our main emphasis will be placed on the junior golfer,” said Forrest, member of he Canadian PGA from 1977-1982 before embarking on his teaching career in 1983 at the Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Florida, the acclaimed Riviera Country Club (CA) and TPC Scottsdale (AZ). “Working with Kent Chase, who is without question, one of America’s top junior golf instructors is a dream come true for me.               

Also working with Forrest and Chase at THEgolfacademy will be Alex Fisher, who for the past year-and-a-half has been the Head Golf Instructor at the TPC Las Vegas. Originally from Nottingham, England, Fisher played in mini-tour events in Great Britain and in Europe. Fisher will instruct as well as direct operations; Diana McNab, sports psychologist and an eight-year member of the Canadian National Alpine Ski Team, is a motivator and educator and specializes in helping elite athletes achieve their full potential and the realization of their dreams; Sean Ferris, former Assistant Executive Director of the Junior Golf Association and Arizona who was named SWSPGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year in 2004; Min Park, golf professional, who along with his wife Sunjoo both speak fluent English and Korean. Sunjoo will teach English to foreign golf students as well as provide music lessons to offer a well-rounded experience for golfers.

Forrest has traveled the globe in plying his trade, having taught the game of golf in 45 countries and assisting with seven foreign national teams. As the former host of the PGA TOUR’s FBR Open Junior Golf Clinic, Forrest has worked with some of Arizona’s finest junior players most notably, Colin Wright, AZ State Amateur Champion; Grace Park of the LPGA TOUR and Julien Trudeau who captured the 2007 AZ Open Championship.

Juniors at THEgolfacademy will be able to choose from a variety of programs including after school group classes, three-day or five-day camps, monthly, semester or full time (nine-month) curriculums. Half-day workshops along with parent/child camps and individual instruction are also available.               

For more information on THEgolfacademy, call 480.703.8618 or visit www.billforrestgolf.com.