Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.

Latest articles

What Is a Links Course in Golf?

Ever stand on a tee box, feel the wind whip sideways off the ocean, and see a golf course that looks less like a manicured park and more like rugged, rolling dunes? If so, you might have been looking at a links course. Understanding links golf is about more than just knowing a definition, it's about appreciating a totally different, ancient style of the game. This guide will walk you through exactly what makes a links course unique and, more importantly, how to adjust your game to conquer its distinct challenges.

What Is the Chicago Format in Golf?

Ever heard a playing partner suggest a game of Chicago on the first tee and you just nodded along, completely unsure of the rules? You’re not alone. While not as common as a Scramble or Best Ball, the Chicago format is one of the most exciting and fair betting games you can play, perfectly designed to make a round with your buddies competitive, no matter their skill level. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the format, from its unique scoring system to the on-course strategy that will help you take home the cash.

What Is the Penalty for Signing an Incorrect Scorecard in Golf?

Signing an incorrect scorecard in golf can lead to one of the most painful penalties in the game, turning a great round into a heartbreaking disqualification on a technicality. It’s every competitive golfer's nightmare, but it doesn't have to be. This article breaks down the exact penalties for scorecard errors under the Rules of Golf, why they exist, and most importantly, provides a simple, foolproof process to ensure you never make this mistake again.

What Is the Hole Index in Golf?

Ever glanced at a scorecard and wondered what the 'HCP' or 'Index' column means? You’re not alone. Those numbers, running from 1 to 18, represent the Hole Index, and they are one of the most underutilized strategic tools in a golfer’s arsenal. This ranking is your secret map to navigating the course intelligently and competing effectively in handicap games. This guide will break down precisely what the Hole Index is, how courses determine the ranking, and most importantly, how you can use it to play smarter and shoot lower scores.

What Is the Rolex Series in Golf?

If you follow professional golf outside of the PGA TOUR, you’ve almost certainly heard commentators talk about the Rolex Series. It’s a term of prestige on the DP World Tour, but many golf fans aren't completely sure what it means. This article will break down exactly what the Rolex Series is, which tournaments are included, and why these events are so important for the players competing to make their mark on the world stage.

What Is a Red Penalty Area in Golf?

Seeing those red stakes or that intimidating red line alongside a fairway can make any golfer’s heart sink. You’ve just hit a wayward shot, and now you have to deal with a red penalty area. But this situation, while frustrating, doesn’t have to ruin your hole or your round. Understanding your options is the first step toward turning a potential disaster into a simple recovery. This guide will walk you through exactly what a red penalty area is, what your relief options are, and how to choose the right one with confidence.

What Does Sub Par Mean in Golf?

Shooting a score that’s sub par is the goal for nearly every golfer, but what it means and how to achieve it can feel like a moving target. In its simplest terms, playing sub par golf means you’ve completed a hole, or an entire round, in fewer strokes than the designated par score. This article will break down the language of scoring, the strategies behind going low, and a practical path for you to start chasing those under-par scores yourself.

What Are the 5 Majors in Golf Championships?

Pop quiz: how many major championships are there in men's professional golf? If you said five, you’re not alone, but it’s a common misconception. The truth is there are four, but a fifth tournament has earned such a celebrated reputation that many fans and even players consider it a major in everything but name. This article will walk you through the four official majors, detailing their unique histories and characteristics, and then introduce you to the prestigious event that created the five majors debate.

What Is the Rule of 12 in Golf Chipping?

If you've ever stood over a chip shot feeling completely lost about which club to hit and where to land it, you're not alone. The space between the fairway and the flag can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn't have to be. The Rule of 12 is a straightforward system that takes the indecision out of your chipping, replacing it with a predictable plan for getting the ball close. This article will show you exactly how to use this simple method to improve your confidence and lower your scores around the greens.

What Is Net Differential in Golf?

Ever shot a 95 on a difficult course and felt it was a better round than the 92 you shot last week on your easy home track? You were probably right, and ‘Net Differential’ is the concept that proves it. This article breaks down exactly what this term means, how it's calculated, and most importantly, how you can use this knowledge to play smarter golf and lower your handicap.

What Do Red Posts Mean in Golf?

Seeing red posts on a golf course isn't a signal to panic, but a guide for what to do next. Those small stakes or painted lines mark a lateral penalty area, a specific type of hazard with its own set of rules and options. Understanding precisely what they mean and how to proceed is one of the quickest ways to save strokes and play with more confidence. This guide will walk you through exactly what your choices are, how to make the right decision, and how to get back into play without the confusion.

What Is Net Stroke Play in Golf?

Net stroke play is the great equalizer of golf, a format that allows a 25-handicap player to go head-to-head with a scratch golfer and have a legitimate shot at winning. This article demystifies net scoring, showing you exactly how it works, how to calculate your own net score, and why it makes competitive golf enjoyable for everyone. We'll walk through the process step-by-step so you can step onto the first tee of your next tournament with total confidence.

Instant advice to help you golf like a pro

Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.

Get started for free