If you plan to participate in any Championship(s) or the corresponding qualifiers conducted by the Chicago District Golf Association, it is important that you read the following information. It is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations concerning participation in CDGA events.
This page was last updated on October 23, 2025, and could be updated or modified throughout the championship season.
Championship Eligibility
The CDGA conducts a comprehensive championship schedule for members of the Association and Illinois residents. Please refer to the website for a detailed description of each tournament, including eligibility requirements.
Follow link to
CDGA Championship Schedule
Rule 25 - Modifications for Players with Disabilities.- All players are required to meet the eligibility requirements for each Championship. Players wishing to utilize Rule 25 must provide the CDGA with the following items 14 days prior to the qualifier or championship:
- WR4GD Pass Number
- Virtus II1 International Eligibility number (for players with intellectual disabilities)
- Description of your disability
- Description and photo of any adaptive equipment that you use to play golf. We will need to make sure all equipment used complies with the Rules of Golf.
Alcohol, Marijuana and Controlled Substance Policy
During the round or any delay, should a player or caddie consume, be under the influence of, or have in his/her possession any alcohol, marijuana or controlled substance, the player will be disqualified from that tournament. In the event the Committee determines serious misconduct has occurred, the player and/or caddie will also be suspended from all CDGA events for a minimum of 12 months. The player may appeal any such suspension to the CDGA Championship Policy Committee.
Attire
All players, caddies and spectators must be properly attired both on the golf course and on the premises of the club. Jeans of any color, t-shirts and tank tops are prohibited. Golf shirts must be worn and shorts must be mid-thigh length. No cut-off or jean shorts are allowed. This dress code is in effect at all CDGA events and all USGA qualifying rounds in conjunction with any additional dress code restrictions of the site hosting the tournament.
Awards
Awards ceremonies will be conducted immediately following play at each Championship. It is encouraged that all players who win a trophy or gift certificate stay to accept their prize.
Caddies
Caddies are permitted at all CDGA-conducted Championships and Qualifiers.
Code of Conduct
Contestants and their caddies are reminded that, at all times, appropriate golf etiquette and dress is required. Any abuse or disrespect of fellow players, officials, hosts, spectators, employees, or other persons present or otherwise involved in CDGA sponsored or conducted events may be grounds for immediate removal from the event and denial of entry into future events. Such abuse or disrespect may be verbal, physical or threat thereof, and includes but is not limited to the use of vulgar or obscene language, as well as physical damage to property or equipment of any of the persons set forth above or the hosting facility. Contestants may be subject to penalty for breach of the CDGA Code of Conduct Policy as permitted by Rule 1.2b and Committee Procedure 5I. Decisions on breaches of the Code of Conduct Policy will be at the sole discretion of the Committee. Penalties for breach of the Code of Conduct Policy will compound over the course of the year.
Code of Conduct Penalty Structure:
- First Breach - warning or Committee sanction
- Second Breach - general penalty
- Third Breach or any serious misconduct - disqualification
Communication Devices
Electronic communication devices carried during a stipulated round by either a player or caddie should be powered off or kept on silent mode. Use of these devices should be limited to emergencies or specifically permitted golf purposes, such as scoring, checking leaderboards or requesting a ruling. Devices are NOT to be used for voice, text, or audio communications. Players will be subject to penalty if their usage of such a device distracts other players.
Conditions of Tournament Entry
The CDGA reserves the right to decline any entry. All entries submitted to the CDGA must be completed in full and include the entry fee for the event. In order to be officially entered into an event(s), the entry and the fees must be received by the CDGA no later than 11:59 p.m. on the day entries close. The CDGA reserves the right to expand the field size at a qualifier to accommodate an excess of entries.
Footwear
Spikes having single or multiple points designed to penetrate deeply into the surface of the ground (regardless of whether made of metal, ceramic, plastic or other materials) are strictly prohibited. Model Local Rule G-7 is in effect.
Handicap/ADA Cart Requests
- Caddie Request - If a player or caddie requests the use of a handicap cart, the player must complete and return the player/caddie request form to the CDGA office by the entry deadline of the event. This form is only necessary for events that do not allow motorized carts. Failure to complete and return the request form on time will result in the denial of a handicap cart for that event.
- Spectator Request - If a spectator requests the use of a handicap cart, the player or spectator must complete and return the spectator request form to the CDGA office no later than 7 days prior to the date of the tournament. Failure to complete and return the request form on time will result in the denial of a handicap cart for that event.
No Shows and No Cards
The CDGA reserves the right to decline any entry based on a player’s history of no shows and/or no cards. Any player who fails to appear for their assigned starting time without notifying the CDGA in advance will be considered a no show. Any player who fails to report to scoring, or who withdraws without informing a CDGA staff member or official, will be considered a no card.
Any player who qualifies for a championship and records a no show or no card at that championship may be suspended from playing in future tournaments. The player may appeal any such suspension to the CDGA Championship Policy Committee.
Playoffs
In the event a player is close to the lead or in contention for a qualifying spot that requires a playoff, the player should remain at the course and close to the scoring area for announcements. It is the player's responsibility to be present when the playoff is announced.
Practice Rounds
The CDGA does not require the host qualifying site to provide a practice round for contestants at CDGA/State championships or qualifiers. The decision as to whether a practice round will be available is at the sole discretion of the host facility. If a practice round is available, each contestant is responsible for contacting the host site and paying for any practice round(s) they wish to play.
Push Carts
Push Carts are permitted at all CDGA Championships and Qualifiers, unless otherwise stated in the event information.
Spectators
Spectators are permitted at all CDGA events.
- Spectators are discouraged from performing the duties of a caddie. If a spectator is acting as a caddie, they will be considered a caddie under the Rules of Golf and the player will be accountable for any breaches that occur.
- Spectators are allowed to carry food, drink and other items (umbrellas, outerwear, sunscreen, etc.) and are permitted to give such objects to a player.
- If requesting a Handicap Cart under the ADA - refer to the Handicap Cart Request section above.
- Spectators are prohibited from entering the player scoring area.
Riding Carts
- CDGA Amateur / Illinois State Amateur Championships - Riding Carts are NOT permitted. All players must walk at the Championship proper for both of these championships. Carts may be taken at qualifiers for these two events.
- All Other CDGA / State Championships - Players may take a riding cart at all other CDGA-conducted Championships - CDGA Mid-Am / CDGA Senior / CDGA 4-Ball / CDGA Senior 4-Ball / State Women's Am / State Mid-Am / State Senior. Only 2 carts per group will be allowed.
- Qualifiers for all CDGA / State Championships - Players may take a riding cart at all qualifiers for CDGA and State Championships. Only 2 carts per group will be allowed. Caddies are not guaranteed a seat in a cart.
Riding carts may be restricted by the host facility as a result of weather, course conditions, etc.
Start Time Requests
The CDGA will not honor starting time requests for any CDGA tournament or USGA qualifying round.
Tournament Procedures/Information
- Tee Times - Information concerning pairings, starting times, etc., will be emailed and uploaded to the CDGA website approximately 10-14 days prior to the event.
- Key Documents - All tournament documents, including hole location sheets, notice to players and the Hard Card, will be posted electronically 1-3 days prior to the tournament. Players are encouraged to view and read these materials on their own before their round. These documents will also be available in the scoring app on the day of the event.
- Official Scorecard - Paper scorecards will NOT be provided. The official scorecard will be completed virtually on the scoring app. Players will be given access to the scoring app on the day of the event. There will be one official scorer per group. If players wish to utilize a paper scorecard for marking purposes only, they may do so, but they will need to take a club scorecard and this scorecard will not be considered official.
- Pace of Play - The CDGA Pace of Play Policy is in effect at all CDGA/State qualifiers and championships and CDGA-conducted USGA qualifiers. The maximum time allowable for each group to complete each hole will be posted in the scoring app. The time scores are entered after each hole will be used to monitor your pace of play. It is imperative that scores are entered immediately upon completion of each hole.
- Returning/Verifying Scorecard - All players in the group MUST report to the scoring area upon completion of the round. Failure to report to the scoring area will result in Disqualification from the event and the player will be listed as a No Card (NC). A scorecard is considered returned and final after all players in the group have verbally agreed to the hole-by-hole scores while at the scoring table with a CDGA staff member. Once players exit the scoring area, no additional changes can be made.
Waitlist
- When an event is at capacity, players may choose to join the waitlist or register for an open qualifier, if applicable, but cannot do both. Players must pay to reserve their position on the waitlist. A full refund will be given to anyone on a waitlist who does not make it into the event. Entries are placed on the waitlist in order of time and date received. Players will be notified when a spot becomes available in the qualifier/championship. Players remaining on the waitlist are NOT allowed to be alternates onsite for any qualifier.
Alternate Policy for a Championship without Qualifiers
- The Alternate Policy is only in effect for the CDGA Senior Amateur Four-Ball Championship.
If this event is filled, any team remaining on the waitlist may choose to travel to the championship site and become an alternate. The status of the alternates will be in the order in which they appear on the waitlist. The alternates shall report to the supervising CDGA staff member prior to the first starting time. Alternates that appear after the first starting time shall be placed at the end of the waitlist. Alternates shall have no status at the site. As an alternate, it is the sole responsibility of the individual to pay for all expenses, which may include range balls and food service.
All other CDGA/State championships do not have an alternate policy in effect.
Withdrawal/Refund Policy
Individuals who have entered a CDGA event and wish to withdraw for any reason MUST notify the CDGA via email at withdraw@cdga.org. Withdrawals submitted in writing at least one week prior to the qualifier will receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR WITHDRAWALS WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE EVENT.
