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:

• 31 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, Sheldon L. Solow, Brian Sullivan, David Taylor, Ronald Testa, Robert Thies, Steven Toth, Patrick Urich and Debbie Vansistine.
• 25 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

One of the CDGA Foundation’s premier annual fundraisers, the On the Tee for Autism Golf Outing, is fast approaching! The 10th iteration of the event will return to pristine Chicago Highlands Club in Westchester on Monday, August 17. The CDGA Foundation will again partner with the Sullivan Family for this unique day, which features golf on the Arthur Hills design, as well as a post-round reception and silent auction. Proceeds support CDGA Adaptive Golf Programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other physical, intellectual, sensory and cognitive disabilities.

CLICK HERE to register or to learn more about the Outing.

Staff Contact: Cullen Perron | cperron@cdga.org | (630) 685-2314

Volunteer assignments for both Championship and Social Events are complete for August. 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 July 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 September or October, please do so immediately. Volunteer sign-ups for outside events (college & IHSA) are now available.

If you can help at one of the events below, 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!

AUGUST NOTES

Volunteer Assignments for the 95th Illinois State Amateur Championship will be sent out on Tuesday, July 7. All Blue Coats who signed up will receive an assignment.

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

CHAMPIONSHIPS:

• August 3, U.S. Senior Women's Amateur Qualifier at The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club (need 3 more people)
• August 5, Illinois State Mid-Amateur Qualifier at White Deer Run GC (need 3 more people)
• August 24, Illinois State Senior Amateur Qualifier at Blackberry Oaks GC (need 6 more people)

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

CHAMPIONSHIPS:

• August 5, Illinois State Mid-Amateur Qualifier at Winnetka GC

• August 11, U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier at Red Tail Run GC
• August 24, U.S. Amateur Four-Ball & U.S. Women's Four-Ball Qualifiers at Rockford CC

OVERSTAFFED EVENTS/DAYS:

• August 17 - CDGA Four-Person Scramble Qualifier at Sunset Valley GC

• August 17-18, Illinois State Mid-Amateur Championship at Edgewood Valley CC
  

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

• July 20, CDGA Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier at Randall Oaks GC (1-2 officials needed)

• July 28, CDGA Amateur Four-Ball Championship at Skokie CC (3 officials needed for AM matches only)

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.

• Volunteer sign-ups for outside events (college and IHSA) are NOW OPEN.
• Volunteer Assignments for the 95th Illinois State Amateur Championship will be sent out on Tuesday, July 7. All Blue Coats who signed up will receive assignments.
• 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.
• 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.

August 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:

August Course Ratings

• August 4 - Renwood GC

• August 6 - Glenview Prairie GC
• August 10 - Orchard Valley GC
• August 14 - Wing Park GC
• August 19 - Crystal Woods GC
• August 24 - Timber Creek GC
• August 27 - Naperbrook GC

Downstate Ratings

• August 21 - Champaign CC

• August 25 - Red Tail Run 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 - Sunday, Oct. 18 @ The Evans at Canal Shores

One of the CDGA Foundation’s premier annual fundraisers, the On the Tee for Autism Golf Outing, is fast approaching! The 10th iteration of the event will return to pristine Chicago Highlands Club in Westchester on Monday, August 17. The CDGA Foundation will again partner with the Sullivan Family for this unique day, which features golf on the Arthur Hills design, as well as a post-round reception and silent auction. Proceeds support CDGA Adaptive Golf Programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other physical, intellectual, sensory and cognitive disabilities.

CLICK HERE to register or to learn more about the Outing.

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, July 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.

Through the CDGA's partnership with Global Golf Post, all Blue Coats have the opportunity to experience a 90-day free trial to Second Wind. Second Wind delivers timeless, long-form golf journalism for the discerning reader. With original reporting and elegant storytelling, Second Wind explores the game’s most compelling figures, places, and ideas. Second Wind is golf writing at its highest level.

To activate this offer, CLICK HERE and enter code '90-SECONDWIND'.

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.