Privacy Policy

College Golf Guide ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services at collegegolf.com.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

When you create an account or use our services, we may collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, password, and account role (player or parent)
• Player Profile: High school graduation year, gender, golf statistics (scoring average, handicap), high school name, city, and state
• Recruiting Preferences: Preferred school divisions, geographic preferences, academic requirements, and saved schools
• Communications: Content of emails you send to coaches through our platform
• Payment Information: Billing details processed securely through Stripe (we do not store full credit card numbers)

Information Collected Automatically

When you access our services, we automatically collect:

• Device information and browser type
• IP address and general location
• Pages viewed and features used
• Email open and click tracking (for emails sent through our platform)

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Google OAuth: When you sign in with Google, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture
• Partner Organizations: If you were referred by a golf academy, tour, or other partner, they may share your contact information with your consent

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide Our Services: Create and manage your account, enable school searches, and facilitate coach communications
• Match You with Schools: Use your golf stats, academics, and preferences to recommend programs that fit your profile
• Send Communications: Deliver account updates, recruiting tips, feature announcements, and respond to inquiries
• Process Payments: Handle subscription billing and payment processing
• Improve Our Platform: Analyze usage patterns to enhance features and user experience
• Ensure Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats

3. Google OAuth and Gmail Integration

What We Access

When you connect your Gmail account to use our email features, we request access to:

• Send emails on your behalf: This allows you to send recruiting emails to coaches directly from our platform using your Gmail address
• Basic profile information: Your name and email address for account identification

How We Use Gmail Access

• We only send emails that you explicitly compose and authorize
• We track email opens and clicks to help you understand coach engagement
• We do not read, scan, or access any other emails in your Gmail account
• We do not sell, share, or use your Gmail data for advertising purposes

Revoking Access

You can disconnect your Gmail account at any time from your account settings or through Google's security settings.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

• Service Providers:
  • SendGrid: For sending transactional and marketing emails
  • Stripe: For secure payment processing
  • Google: For authentication and Gmail integration
  • Microsoft Azure: For secure data hosting
• College Coaches: When you send an email through our platform, the recipient coach receives your message and email address
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety

5. Data Storage and Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Data is encrypted in transit using TLS/SSL
• Passwords are hashed using bcrypt encryption
• Data is stored securely on Microsoft Azure servers in the United States
• We regularly review and update our security practices

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account deletion, we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes (such as resolving disputes or enforcing agreements).

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access Your Data: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Update Your Information: Correct or update your account information through your profile settings
• Delete Your Account: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt Out of Marketing: Unsubscribe from marketing emails using the link in any email
• Revoke Third-Party Access: Disconnect Google or other connected services

To exercise these rights, contact us at rich@collegegolf.com.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for users who are at least 13 years old. If a user is under 18, we recommend they use the platform with parental involvement. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without parental consent.

9. 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 our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

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

• Email: rich@collegegolf.com
• Website: collegegolf.com