Privacy Policy

Last Updated: [01/02/2025]

Welcome to GolfLume.com . Protecting your privacy is fundamental to our mission of providing trusted golf resources. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, engage with our content, or participate in our community. By using GolfLume.com, you consent to the practices described herein.

1. Introduction

At GolfLume.com, we are committed to transparency and accountability in our data practices. This policy applies to all visitors, subscribers, and contributors. We adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable laws.

2. Definitions

Personal Information: Data that identifies you (e.g., name, email, IP address).
Non-Personal Information: Anonymous data (e.g., browsing patterns, aggregated analytics).
Cookies: Small text files stored on your device to enhance site functionality.

3. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide Directly

We collect data when you:

Subscribe to Newsletters: Email address, name (optional).
Submit Comments: Name, email, website (optional), and comment content.
Contact Us: Name, email, and message details via forms.
Participate in Surveys/Polls: Responses to golf-related questions.

B. Automatically Collected Data

Usage Data:
- Pages visited, time spent, clicks (via Google Analytics 4).
- Device type (desktop/mobile), browser, and operating system.
Cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Session management, login authentication.
- Analytical Cookies: Track traffic sources (e.g., Google Ads, social media).
- Advertising Cookies: Serve personalized ads via partners like Google AdSense.

C. Third-Party Data

Affiliate Partners: Purchase data (e.g., Amazon Associates order IDs) from clicks on gear review links.
Social Media: Interactions via embedded feeds (Instagram, YouTube).

4. How We Use Your Information

We use data to:

Deliver Services: Publish comments, send newsletters, and respond to inquiries.
Improve Content: Analyze popular posts (e.g., Instruction vs. Course Guides) to refine editorial strategy.
Personalize Experience: Recommend gear reviews or courses based on browsing history.
Marketing:
- Send promotional emails (opt-out available via unsubscribe link).
- Retarget ads to visitors (e.g., users who read Beginner’s Guide content).
Legal Compliance: Prevent fraud, enforce terms of service, or comply with court orders.

5. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your data. Limited sharing occurs with:

Service Providers:
- Email Marketing: Mailchimp (newsletter delivery).
- Analytics: Google Analytics (traffic analysis).
- Hosting: Hostinger (server infrastructure).
Affiliate Programs:
- Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Golf Galaxy track clicks for commission reporting.
Legal Authorities: If required by law (e.g., subpoenas, copyright disputes).

6. International Data Transfers

Data may be processed outside your country (e.g., Hostinger servers in the EU). We ensure transfers comply with GDPR via Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

7. Your Rights & Choices

A. Access & Correction

Request a copy of your data or update inaccuracies by emailing [[email protected]].

B. Deletion

Ask us to delete your data, excluding records we must retain for legal reasons.

C. Opt-Out

Cookies: Adjust settings via our Cookie Consent banner or browser preferences.
Emails: Unsubscribe via the link in any newsletter.
Personalized Ads: Opt out via YourAdChoices.

D. CCPA/GDPR Rights

CCPA: California residents may request disclosure of data categories sold/shared.
GDPR: EU residents have rights to data portability and objection to processing.

8. Data Security

We implement safeguards to protect your information:

Encryption: SSL/TLS for data transmissions.
Access Controls: Limited staff access to sensitive data.
Audits: Regular security reviews of third-party vendors.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Site links to external websites (e.g., golf courses, retailers). We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

10. Affiliate Disclosure

GolfLume.com participates in affiliate programs, including:

Amazon Associates: Earn commissions on qualifying purchases.
Golf Gear Retailers: Links to brands like TaylorMade or Callaway.
Travel Partners: Booking.com for course-adjacent hotels.

Affiliate links use cookies to track referrals (e.g., a user clicks a driver review and buys within 30 days).

11. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. Parents/guardians may contact us to remove accidental submissions.

12. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary:

Newsletter Subscribers: Until unsubscribed.
Comments: Permanently, unless deleted by the user or moderator.
Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default).

13. Policy Updates

We may update this policy to reflect changes in laws or operations. Significant changes will be announced via email or site banners.

14. Contact Us

For questions, data requests, or complaints:

Email: [[email protected]]

15. Dispute Resolution

Disputes will be resolved through arbitration in [Your Jurisdiction], governed by [Your Country]’s laws.