Frequently Asked Questions about certification


What is Certification? What are the advantages of being Certified?

Simply stated, Cantigny certification means a youth (aged 8–15) has been evaluated by the Cantigny staff and is able to play the Youth Links golf course without adult supervision. What experience is needed for the junior to take the Certification evaluation?

What experience is needed for the junior to take the Certification evaluation?

Certification is included as part of Cantigny’s Level I junior clinic program. However, if the junior has taken formal golf instruction (either private or clinics) from a PGA Professional at another facility, and is at least 8 years old, he or she is eligible to be certified. Can a junior be certified before their 8th birthday? Juniors must be at least 8 years old to be certified. Juniors approaching their 8th birthday in the current golf season may sign up for and complete the Level I golf clinics, but would not be eligible for certification privileges until their 8th birthday.

Can a junior be certified before their 8th birthday?

Juniors must be at least 8 years old to be certified. Juniors approaching their 8th birthday in the current golf season may sign up for and complete the Level I golf clinics, but would not be eligible for certification privileges until their 8th birthday.

How is the junior evaluated?

Juniors must successfully complete a written quiz covering basic rules and etiquette of the game, then must play two holes of golf, supervised by a professional, to demonstrate that they have learned a basic awareness of on-course safety and etiquette.

What are some examples of juniors not passing certification?

On the course, the professional is looking for a general awareness of safety and etiquette. Here are some reasons for not passing:

  • Standing too close to a player who is hitting
  • Walking ahead of players who are hitting
  • Swinging a club when too close to other players
  • Lack of swing awareness. For example, taking a full swing for a short shot
  • Not aware of whose turn it is to hit
  • Disturbing other players by talking too loudly or otherwise interrupting their swing

You may view our certification Evaluation Form for more examples of do’s and don’ts on the golf course.

What happens if the junior does not pass certification?

In some cases, the junior may be required to retake the entire clinic. More often, the junior is required to play 3 to 5 rounds with an adult. Upon completion of these rounds, the junior receives their certification.

As a parent, what should I do to help prepare my junior golfer for certification?

We strongly recommend that the junior golfer play at least one round of golf before being evaluated. In most cases, the golfers who do not pass certification have little or no on-course experience. For parents who lack golf experience, you may still bring the junior to the Youth Links course and walk or play with them. Ask the Youth Links staff for tips on how to prepare for certification.

If my junior has already taken lessons at another facility, how do they get certified?

Cantigny Youth Links offers certification testing dates once a week during the golf season. Before taking the test, Cantigny must receive a note from the instructor or facility where the junior took lessons. Click here to obtain a note your instructor can use to recommend a junior golfer. This note may be faxed to 630/260-8285, or may be mailed to 27W270 Mack Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.

Does this certification apply to other facilities?

Cantigny’s certification currently has no affiliation with other golf courses or programs.