Privacy Policy

golfEQUALIZER (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the website golfequalizer.ai (the “Service”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service. Please read this policy carefully. By using the Service, you consent to the practices described herein.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: When you sign in via Google OAuth, we receive your name, email address, and profile photo.
• GHIN Data: If you choose to verify your handicap, we collect your GHIN number and any screenshot you upload for verification.
• Reviews, Ratings & Scores: Course ratings, written reviews, and posted golf scores you submit.
• Weight Profiles: Your personalized Equalizer Score weight preferences.
• Communications: Any messages you send to us via email or in-app contact forms.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Log & Device Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referral URLs, pages viewed, and timestamps.
• Cookies & Tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies for authentication and analytics (see Section 4).
• Analytics: We use PostHog and/or Google Analytics to understand usage patterns. These services may collect anonymized interaction data.
• Error Monitoring: Sentry collects anonymized error reports to help us identify and fix issues.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Service.
• Authenticate your identity and manage your account.
• Process GHIN verification requests and display verified status.
• Display your reviews, ratings, and scores on the platform.
• Compute and display personalized course scores (Equalizer Score) based on your weight preferences.
• Analyze usage trends and improve the Service's functionality and performance.
• Send transactional emails (account verification, notifications).
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support.
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We share data with third-party providers who help us operate the Service, including Vercel (hosting), Neon (database), Cloudflare (CDN & security), Sentry (error monitoring), and PostHog/Google (analytics). Each provider processes data solely to perform services on our behalf and is bound by their own privacy policies.
• Payment Processors: If you make a purchase, payment information is processed by Stripe. We do not store your credit card details.
• Public Content: Reviews, ratings, and your display name may be visible to other users of the Service.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for authentication, preferences, and analytics.

• Essential Cookies: Required for authentication (NextAuth session cookies), theme preferences, and core functionality. These cannot be disabled without breaking the Service.
• Analytics Cookies: Used by PostHog and/or Google Analytics to understand how users interact with the Service. These may be opted out of via browser settings.

We do not use advertising or third-party tracking cookies. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of the Service.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., fraud prevention, dispute resolution).

Aggregated, anonymized data that cannot identify you may be retained indefinitely for analytics and product improvement.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit (TLS/HTTPS), secure database connections, hashed authentication tokens, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights & Choices

7.1 All Users

• Access & Update: You can access and update your profile information through your account settings.
• Delete Account: You may request account deletion by contacting us at contact@golfequalizer.ai.
• Opt Out of Analytics: You can opt out of analytics tracking by using browser-level tools or extensions.

7.2 California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you.
• Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.
• Opt out of the “sale” of personal information. We do not sell personal information as defined under the CCPA.
• Not be discriminated against for exercising your CCPA rights.

To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@golfequalizer.ai. We will verify your identity before processing requests.

7.3 European Economic Area / UK (GDPR)

If you are located in the EEA or UK, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation, including:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”).
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data.
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

Our legal bases for processing are: consent (where you have given it), contract performance (providing the Service), and legitimate interests (improving the Service, security). Contact us at contact@golfequalizer.ai to exercise these rights.

8. International Data Transfers

The Service is hosted in the United States. If you access the Service from outside the US, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the Service, you consent to such transfers. We take reasonable steps to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information. If you believe we may have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at contact@golfequalizer.ai.

10. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites, including golf course websites, booking platforms, restaurants, lodging providers, and social media. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

golfEQUALIZER
Email: contact@golfequalizer.ai
Website: golfequalizer.ai