AKC certification is ridiculously easy to get and does nothing to guarantee the health of the breeding line, the care that goes into breeding, the prenatal care of the mother, or how the puppies are raised.
Especially if you're going to get a golden, which are extremely prone to cancer in the US given the inbreeding that's happened, you have to find a breeder that does all the genetic testing possible and has excellent documentation of breeding lines. You're setting yourself up for big money and big heartbreak otherwise. Tests aren't available for cancer susceptibility but any reputable golden breeder will be 100% upfront about the issue.
Also pet insurance is a must.
https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=GR