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 Does 6&5 Mean in Golf Match Play?

Ever tuned into the Ryder Cup or a WGC Match Play event and heard the announcers say a match ended 6&5? If you’re used to standard stroke play, that can sound like a totally different language. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems, and once you grasp it, a whole new level of golf strategy and excitement opens up. This guide will explain exactly what 6&5 means, how match play scoring works, and how you can use this format to add a thrilling competitive layer to your own games.

What Is a Native Area in Golf?

You see the sign near the tee box, NATIVE AREA, or maybe you just hit a wild slice into a patch of tall, wispy fescue grass that looks like it hasn't seen a lawnmower... ever. This isn't just regular rough, it's a different beast entirely. This article will explain exactly what native areas are in golf, the specific rules you need to know when you find your ball in one, and provide a clear, step-by-step coaching guide on how to escape these tricky spots without wrecking your scorecard.

What Is the Final Pairing in Golf?

The final pairing in a professional golf tournament is the last group to tee off on the final day, and it’s where history is often made or heartbreakingly lost. This premier spot is reserved for the players at the very top of the leaderboard, putting them directly in the spotlight under the most intense pressure imaginable. This article will break down exactly what the final pairing is, how it’s determined, and the immense psychological challenges that come with playing in golf’s biggest arena.

What Does Birdie Mean in Golf?

Hearing the word birdie brings a smile to any golfer's face, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. Making a birdie is one of the most satisfying moments in golf, and this guide will break down exactly what it is, how you can start making more of them, and why it's a goal worth chasing. We'll cover everything from the basic definition to practical strategies you can use on your next round to circle that number on your scorecard.

What Is a 2 Wood in Golf?

A 2-wood is one of those golf clubs that sounds a bit like an old ghost story - mentioned by low-handicappers and equipment nerds but rarely seen in the wild. This club, often called a strong 3-wood or mini driver in modern times, is a powerful but specialized tool that could transform your game from the tee. This article breaks down exactly what a 2-wood is, how it compares to your driver and 3-wood, who should consider using one, and how to swing it for maximum effect.

What Do the Negative Numbers Mean in Golf?

Seeing negative numbers on a golf leaderboard is one of the most common points of confusion for anyone new to watching or playing the game. Unlike most sports where a higher number is better, in golf, the goal is to have the lowest score possible, and those coveted negative numbers are the clearest sign of a fantastic round. This article will explain exactly what par is, how negative and positive scores relate to it, and what it all means for your game.

What Is a Low Amateur in Golf?

If you’ve watched a major professional tournament like The Masters or the U.S. Open, chances are you've heard the announcers mention the Low Amateur. This article will explain exactly what that prestigious honor means, what separates these elite players from the rest of the field, and even give you a clear roadmap for what it takes to reach that level of play.

What Does Play Through Mean in Golf?

Hearing the phrase play through on the golf course can feel a bit awkward, but understanding it is a fundamental part of the game's etiquette that makes the day better for everyone. Playing through is simply the process where a slower group of golfers allows a faster group behind them to pass, getting ahead of them on the course. This article is your complete guide to not just what playing through means, but how to handle it gracefully whether you're the group letting others pass or the group being waved on ahead.

What Does Out Mean in Golf?

The word out gets used a lot on the golf course, and surprisingly, it means two completely different things. Misunderstanding the term can lead to confusion on the scorecard or, even worse, a frustrating delay on the course. This guide will clarify both meanings of out so you can understand the lingo, navigate the scorecard, and know exactly when it’s your turn to play.

What Is a Playoff in Golf?

When the final putt drops on Sunday and two or more players are tied at the top of the leaderboard, golf introduces its ultimate form of theater: the playoff. It's a high-stakes, pressure-packed showdown that can turn an excellent tournament into an unforgettable one. This guide explains exactly how golf playoffs work, the different formats you'll see on TV, and some of the most legendary playoff moments in the history of the sport.

What Is a One-Man Scramble in Golf?

Ever wish you could get the pressure-free fun of a team scramble, but you’re just headings out for a solo practice round? The one-man scramble is the answer. This simple but powerful practice game transforms a lone round of golf from a simple stroll into a highly focused training session that builds massive confidence. This article will walk you through exactly how to play a one-man scramble, why it’s one of the best ways to improve your game, and a few variations you can try to target specific weaknesses.

What Is a Niblick in Golf?

Ever dug through an old bag of clubs at a garage sale and found an iron with Niblick stamped on the back? That club is a relic from a different era, the direct ancestor to your modern 9-iron or pitching wedge. Understanding what a niblick was, and more importantly, how it was used, can give you a fresh appreciation for your own set and even improve your strategy on the course. This guide will walk you through the history of this fascinating club, what it's become today, and how its spirit lives on in every challenging recovery shot you face.

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