Staff Contact: Jodi Ciotti | jciotti@cdga.org | (630) 685-2323

The new Blue Coat University is a series of virtual lessons on a variety of topics that contain important information pertaining to your role as a CDGA Blue Coat. This new online experience launched on Monday, Feb. 9 and allows all Blue Coats to participate and complete the coursework at their own pace. The classes are designed to help Blue Coats build a stronger understanding of key volunteer areas within the CDGA, as well as topics where Blue Coats are encouraged to share information. Blue Coat University will focus on the following areas: Rules of Golf, Course Rating, CDGA Foundation, Sunshine Programs and Turfgrass. A Learning Management System (LMS) called Thinkific will track individual progress, and Blue Coats will receive participation-hour credit for each class completed. You were encouraged to complete these lessons by Wednesday, April 1, which was before golf begins in earnest locally. However, it is not too late to run through the education modules.

To date, we have had:

• 30 Blue Coats complete the lessons in their entirety. The CDGA would like to congratulate the following Blue Coats on completing the entire series - Thomas Artz, Mary Burgland, Bill Callahan, Kevin Camino, Ralph Chapman, John Childers, Scott Coldiron, Brad Crookshank, Dwight Erskine, Bill Fates, Richard Fitzgerald, Bill Fraser, Mike Gamauf, Bill Green, Steven Green, Gregory Grygiel, John Hammond, Kirk Hosteng, Pat Keen, David Limardi, Matt Pekarek, Joseph Salierno, Rebecca Smith, Brian Sullivan, David Taylor, Ronald Testa, Robert Thies, Steven Toth, Patrick Urich and Debbie Vansistine.
• 24 Blue Coats have started their educational journey

If you have not started (or completed) the lessons, do not delay. There is a lot of great information for both new and experienced Blue Coats.

CLICK HERE to begin your educational journey.

The In-Person Workshops have concluded: Sunshine 301, Rules 301 and Course Rating 301 have been posted to the Blue Coat YouTube Channel.

Staff Contact: Scott Tews | stews@cdga.org | (630) 685-2343

The 2026 CDGA Foundation Online Auction returns with a wide variety of unique golf experiences, trips, equipment and memorabilia. As a reminder, all proceeds will support the CDGA's adaptive, therapeutic and youth Sunshine Programs. Bidding will begin on Monday, June 15 and close at Noon on Father's Day, Sunday, June 21.

Thank you to the Blue Coats who have already provided a slew of items for inclusion in the Online Auction. However, there is still time to contribute items before the Auction goes live. If you are interested in donating an item, please email donorservices@cdga.org.

CLICK HERE to view the Online Auction landing page, and feel free to share this link with your personal and professional networks.

Staff Contact: Will Cawthon| wcawthon@cdga.org | (630) 685-2405

The 95th Illinois State Amateur Championship is slated for July 14-16 at Crestwicke Country Club in Bloomington. As one of the premier amateur events in the state, Blue Coats play a pivotal role in the Championship's overall administration. At this time, we are still in need of Blue Coat volunteers during the following windows:

• 4 more officials on Tuesday A.M. and P.M.
• 7 more officials on Wednesday A.M.
• 8 more officials on Wednesday P.M.
• 3 more officials on Thursday

The sign-up form for the Illinois State Amateur Championship REMAINS OPEN THROUGH FRIDAY, JUNE 19. Due to the detailed responses required, this form is in a separate location. To sign up, navigate to My CDGA Caddie and select “My Events.” Assignments will be sent out in early July.

Volunteer assignments for both Championship and Social Events are complete for July. Please visit your My CDGA Caddie (My Events) to view your assignments.

If you can no longer officiate on a day you have been assigned or would like to officiate in June and have not signed up for a tournament, please contact the staff member conducting the event or Will Cawthon.

• Will Cawthon - wcawthon@cdga.org or 630-685-2405
• Colin Wadelin - cwadelin@cdga.org or 630-685-2315
• Killian Casson - kcasson@cdga.org or 630-685-2355
• Damian Rodriguez - drodriguez@cdga.org or 630-685-2316
• Patrick Shelak - phselak@cdga.org or 630-685-2328

If you have not signed up for tournaments in August – October, please do so immediately. If you can help at one of the below events, please notify Will Cawthon or Colin Wadelin that you signed up.

CLICK HERE to view the Blue Coat Officiating Criteria for Championships and recommendations on the number of volunteers at each event.

CLICK HERE to view the Blue Coat Officiating Criteria for Social Competitions and recommendations on number of volunteers at each event.

We need volunteers at all CDGA-conducted events to make the day run smoothly and create an enjoyable experience for our players!

JULY NOTES

The following Tournament days are in great need of rules officials:

CHAMPIONSHIPS:

• July 7, CDGA Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier at Glenwoodie GC (need 5 more people)
• July 20, CDGA Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier at Randall Oaks GC (need 6 more people)

The following Tournament Days would be made smoother with the help of 1-2 additional rules officials:

CHAMPIONSHIPS:

• July 6, U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier at The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club

• July 28, CDGA Amateur Four-Ball Championship at Skokie CC

OVERSTAFFED EVENTS/DAYS:

• June 22, U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying at Aurora CC

In addition, the following June Tournament Days are still in great need of rules officials:

• June 9, Illinois State Amateur Qualifier at Aldeen GC
  

• June 10, U.S. Women's Amateur Qualifier at Wilmette GC
• June 16, Illinois State Amateur Qualifier at Sanctuary GC
• June 17, Illinois State Amateur Qualifier at The Hawk CC

STAFF CONTACT: Will Cawthon | wcawthon@cdga.org | (630) 685-2315

Volunteer sign-ups for all CDGA/Illinois State Championships and Qualifiers, and all USGA Qualifiers, are now open.

• New this year: The sign-up form for the Illinois State Amateur Championship REMAINS OPEN THROUGH FRIDAY, JUNE 19. Officials are still needed throughout the event. Due to the detailed responses required, this form is in a separate location. To sign up, navigate to My CDGA Caddie and select “My Events.” Assignments will be sent out in early July.
• To sign up for all other tournaments, navigate to My CDGA Caddie and select “Volunteer Sign Up.” Then, select the “Tournaments” icon at the bottom of the page.
• Volunteer sign-ups for outside events (college and IHSA) are NOW OPEN.
• All Blue Coats are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. CLICK HERE to view the Blue Coat qualifications for 2026 Championships.
• More information can be found HERE.

STAFF CONTACT: Patrick Shelak | pshelak@cdga.org | (630) 685-2328

Volunteer sign-ups for all CDGA Social Competitions are now open.

• To sign up, navigate to My CDGA Caddie and select “Volunteer Sign Up.” Then, select the “Tournaments” icon at the bottom of the page.
• All Blue Coats are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. Social Competitions volunteers are not held to the same Rules of Golf qualifications that exist at CDGA Championships. CLICK HERE to view the Blue Coat qualifications for 2026 Social Competitions.

In preparation for the season, we encourage all Course Raters to utilize educational materials currently available through Blue Coat University, accessible via your My CDGA Caddie. These resources are a great way to review key concepts and ensure you are fully prepared for upcoming assignments.

July Course Rating opportunities are now available for sign-up, and we strongly encourage all Raters to get involved in as many Ratings as possible this season. A full list of upcoming Course Rating dates and locations can be seen below:

July Course Ratings

• July 2 - Bob O'Link GC

• July 7 - The Bluffs GC
• July 9 - Meadows GC
• July 13 - Cog Hill G&CC, Course #4
• July 20 - Freeport Club
• July 21 - Lake Barrington Shores GC
• July 22 - Timber Creek GC
• July 28 - Kankakee Elks CC

Downstate Ratings

• July 1 - Red Tail Run GC

• July 8 - Shambolee GC
• July 22 - Wee-Ma-Tuk CC
• July 28 - Newman GC
• July 30 - Sunset Hills GC

Note: Any Blue Coats who do not currently see Course Ratings listed as an available volunteer opportunity in their My CDGA Caddie are encouraged to email the CDGA's Cullen Perron at cperron@cdga.org so you can be added to the appropriate list.

The CDGA Foundation will again host a variety of unique fundraising events in 2026. All proceeds benefit CDGA Sunshine Programs, which create opportunities for everyone to experience the benefits of the game through adaptive, therapeutic and youth programming. The 2026 Fundraiser Schedule includes:

• CDGA Longest Putt at the Chicago Golf Show® - Friday, Feb. 27 - Sunday, March 1 @ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Rosemont)

• Better Through Birdies Par-3 Challenge - Saturday, May 16 @ Zigfield Troy Golf (Woodridge)

• CDGA Foundation Online Auction - June 15-21
• CDGA Foundation Nine & Dine Pro-Am at the Chicago Adaptive Open - Friday, June 12 @ Fox Bend Golf Course (Oswego)
• Fore Our Veterans Golf Outing - Monday, July 20 @ Oak Park Country Club (River Grove)
• 10th On the Tee for Autism Golf Outing - Monday, Aug. 17 @ Chicago Highlands (Westchester)
• Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike - Date TBA @ The Evans at Canal Shores

A limited number of spots remain open for the 25th CDGA Foundation Fore Our Veterans Outing. Taking place at historic Oak Park Country Club on Monday, July 20, the CDGA Foundation's premier fundraising event of the year features a memorable day of golf, camaraderie and more. Blue Coats can still register a team and single spots. Dinner-only options are available to show support and be a part of the evening program featuring retired U.S. Navy Admiral Mike Rogers.

CLICK HERE for more information or to register.

The CDGA Foundation proudly introduced the CDGA Legacy Society on June 5 during a special gathering in the Rich-Keiser Education Center, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Midwest Golf House. The Legacy Society recognizes and honors individuals and families who have chosen to include the CDGA Foundation in their estate or financial plans, ensuring the future of our mission for generations to come.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the CDGA Legacy Society.

CLICK HERE for the key takeaways from the 2026 CDGA Blue Coat Tournament Administration Workshop. This has also been added to your My CDGA Caddie under "My Events" for those who signed up to volunteer in 2026.

Monthly Blue Coat Rules Chats are back for the 2026 season. These informal chats are a great place to ask questions about the Rules and discuss recent scenarios from both televised and CDGA events. Registration is now open in My CDGA Caddie for all dates.

The next Monthly Blue Coat Rules Chat of 2026 will take place on Tuesday, June 30 at 7 p.m.

CLICK HERE for Workshop Reimbursement information.

Click the various links below for 2026 CDGA Event Schedules:

2026 CDGA Championships & Qualifiers:

• Online Listing
• Printable PDF

2026 CDGA Social Competitions:

• Online Listing
• Printable PDF

2026 CDGA Women's Competitions:

• Online Listing
• Printable PDF

2026 USGA Qualifiers:

• Online Listing
• Printable PDF

Click the link below to view a PDF listing of 2026 Board and Committee Meetings. Sign-up and registration will remain in your My CDGA Caddie.

2026 CDGA Board & Committee Meeting Schedule

The Blue Coat YouTube playlist below features recordings of past CDGA board meetings, committee meetings, Rules chats, and more.

CLICK HERE to view the playlist.

The CDGA has rolled out an updated CDGA Blue Coat Store, providing official uniform pieces and exclusive merchandise for Blue Coats to utilize at various CDGA events. The official uniform features a white Greg Norman polo and Navy blue outerwear pieces. Additionally, Sun Mountain Rain Suits with the CDGA crest can also be purchased.

CLICK HERE to browse the Blue Coat Store ahead of your next volunteer opportunity.

CDGA Blue Coats have the opportunity to purchase CDGA-branded apparel from the CDGA Member Golf Shop at a discounted rate. When browsing the CDGA Member Golf Shop, Blue Coats can utilize the code "Bluecoat" at checkout to receive 10% off any purchase.

CLICK HERE to browse the CDGA Member Golf Shop.