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 Pick Shot in Golf?

A ball sitting perfectly on a short, lush fairway is a beautiful sight, but golf often presents us with something trickier. Learning what a pick shot is, and how to use it, can turn those frustrating lies into playable opportunities. This article will show you exactly what the pick shot is, the specific situations that call for it, and a step-by-step guide to adding this essential shot to your game.

Read more
card link

What Is FW in Golf?

When you see FW on a scorecard, a launch monitor, or a golf club, it simply stands for <strong>Fairway Wood</strong>. These clubs are your go-to tools for covering long distances from the fairway, and they can be a game-changer for your strategy off the tee. This guide will walk you through what fairway woods are, the different types you’ll find, exactly when to use them, and a straightforward approach to hitting them pure.

Read more
card link

What Is a Pels Shot in Golf?

A golf shot called the Pels Shot might sound like something complex or reserved for touring pros, but it's actually one of the most practical and game-changing systems any amateur golfer can learn. It’s a beautifully simple method for taking the guesswork out of those tricky shots inside 100 yards, turning what is often a feel shot into a reliable, repeatable action. This article will show you exactly what a Pels shot is, why it works so well, and provide a clear, step-by-step guide to help you build your own precision wedge game.

Read more
card link

What Is a Plugged Ball in Golf?

That sinking feeling when your brilliant approach shot vanishes into the soft fairway, burying itself in its own pitch mark, is a moment every golfer recognizes. This frustrating situation is known as a plugged or embedded ball. This guide will walk you through exactly what a plugged ball is, what the official rules say about getting relief, and how to handle the tough situations where you have to play it as it lies.

Read more
card link

What Stroke Is a Provisional in Golf?

Ever hit a tee shot that sails toward trouble, leaving you with that sinking feeling of a long, lonely walk back to the tee? The provisional ball is one of the most important rules to understand in golf because it’s designed to solve this exact problem by saving time and keeping your group moving. This guide will walk you through exactly what a provisional ball is, when to play one, the step-by-step procedure for doing it correctly, and what happens next in every possible scenario.

Read more
card link

What Is a Vanity Handicap in Golf?

A vanity handicap is a golf handicap that is intentionally kept lower than a player's actual ability to make them appear more skilled than they are. This article peels back the layers on why golfers do this, the problems it causes, and most importantly, how to maintain an honest handicap that accurately reflects your game and helps you improve.

Read more
card link

What Is the Name of the Trophy Awarded to the Winner of the Masters Tournament in Golf?

The champion of the Masters Tournament famously receives the iconic Green Jacket, but they also get to take home a beautiful piece of hardware called the Masters Trophy. This stunning award is a detailed sterling silver replica of the Augusta National Golf Club's clubhouse. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the Masters Trophy, from its intricate design to the other incredible awards players can win during that special week in April.

Read more
card link

What Is the Modified Alternate Shot Format in Golf?

Modified Alternate Shot, often called Greensomes, is a popular two-person team format that blends strategy, teamwork, and a unique rhythm that’s different from your typical four-ball or scramble. It's a fantastic game that reduces the pressure of a bad tee shot while still demanding smart planning and execution from both partners. This guide will walk you through exactly how the format works, how it differs from similar games, and the best strategies to use so you and your partner can come out on top.

Read more
card link

What Is a Gimmie in Golf?

That short putt your buddy just scooped up and declared good is one of the most common traditions in golf, yet it's not actually part of the official rules. This informal act, known as a gimme, is a massive part of the game's social culture. This guide will walk you through exactly what a gimme is, the unwritten rules of giving and receiving them, and how they fit into different types of golf, from a casual afternoon round to a competitive tournament.

Read more
card link

In Golf, What Is the Word Used When a Putter Is Used Off the Green?

Caught in that tricky spot just off the green, staring at the fringe and wondering if you can reach for your flatstick instead of a wedge? You absolutely can, and there's a classic golf term for it. This shot is affectionately known as the Texas wedge. In this guide, we won't just tell you the name, we’ll show you exactly when this shot can save you strokes and how to execute it with confidence.

Read more
card link

What Is a Standard in Golf?

The term standard in golf isn't about a single magic bullet or a rigid, one-size-fits-all model, but rather a set of proven fundamentals that create consistency, power, and control swing after swing. These are the building blocks that all great golf shots are built on, from the way you hold the club to your final, balanced finish. This guide will walk you through the essential standards for each part of your game, giving you a clear roadmap to building a more reliable and repeatable swing.

Read more
card link

What Does Shooting a 102 in Golf Mean?

Shooting a 102 in golf means you are standing on the brink of a major milestone that millions of players strive for: breaking 100. This score, which averages out to about a double bogey on every other hole, is a completely normal and respectable result for the vast majority of amateur golfers. This article will break down what a 102 really represents, diagnose the common habits that produce it, and give you a simple, effective game plan to shave off those last few strokes.

Read more
card link
Rating

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
Image Descrptions