Privacy Policy
Last Updated: February 9, 2026
Quick Summary: We collect minimal information (website analytics and contact form submissions) to improve the site and respond to your inquiries. We don't sell your data. We use third-party services (Google Analytics, Formspree) that have their own privacy policies. You can contact us to access or delete your information.
1. Introduction
The Donald Ross Golf Trail ("we," "our," or "the Trail") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website rossgolftrail.com (the "Site").
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Site.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide to Us
We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:
- Submit our contact form: Name, email address, subject, and message content
- Subscribe to updates: Email address (if we add newsletter signup in future)
- Communicate with us: Any information included in your messages
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our Site, certain information is automatically collected through cookies and similar technologies:
- Usage data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked
- Device information: Browser type, operating system, device type
- Location data: General geographic location (city/region level, not precise)
- Referral data: Which website referred you to our Site
- IP address: Automatically anonymized by Google Analytics
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Respond to your inquiries: Answer questions submitted through the contact form
- Improve our Site: Understand how visitors use the Site and make improvements
- Analyze trends: Track which content is most popular and useful
- Send updates: Communicate about new trail loops or features (only if you opt in)
- Prevent fraud: Detect and prevent spam or abuse of the contact form
- Comply with legal obligations: Respond to legal requests when required
4. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:
4.1 Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our Site. Google Analytics collects information such as how often users visit the Site, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our Site.
- What they collect: Usage data, anonymized IP addresses, device info
- Why we use it: To improve the Site and understand our audience
- Their privacy policy: Google Privacy Policy
- Opt-out option: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
4.2 Formspree (Contact Form)
We use Formspree to process contact form submissions. When you submit the contact form, your information is processed through Formspree's servers before being sent to us via email.
- What they process: Name, email, subject, and message from contact form
- Why we use it: To securely handle contact form submissions and prevent spam
- Their privacy policy: Formspree Privacy Policy
4.3 Netlify (Web Hosting)
Our Site is hosted on Netlify's servers. Netlify may collect server logs and technical information about visitors.
- What they collect: IP addresses, server logs, access times
- Why we use it: To host and serve our website reliably
- Their privacy policy: Netlify Privacy Policy
4.4 OpenStreetMap and Leaflet (Interactive Maps)
We use OpenStreetMap data and the Leaflet library for our interactive maps. When you interact with maps, some data may be sent to OpenStreetMap's tile servers.
- What they collect: Map tile requests (shows general usage patterns)
- Their privacy policy: OpenStreetMap Privacy Policy
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
5.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit websites. They help websites remember your preferences and understand how you use the site.
5.2 Cookies We Use
We use the following types of cookies:
- Analytics cookies (Google Analytics): Track how visitors use the Site
- Functional cookies: Remember your preferences (if applicable)
5.3 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View what cookies are stored
- Delete cookies
- Block all cookies
- Block third-party cookies
Note: Blocking cookies may affect your experience on the Site, though most functionality will still work.
6. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
6.1 Service Providers
We share information with third-party service providers (Google Analytics, Formspree, Netlify) who help us operate the Site. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.
6.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).
6.3 Business Transfers
If the Trail is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or a prominent notice on the Site of any change in ownership.
6.4 With Your Consent
We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.
7. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- HTTPS encryption for all site traffic
- Secure third-party services with strong privacy practices
- Limited access to personal information
- Regular security reviews
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.
- Contact form submissions: Retained as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry, then deleted
- Analytics data: Retained according to Google Analytics settings (typically 26 months)
- Email communications: Retained in standard email archives
9. Your Privacy Rights
9.1 Access and Correction
You have the right to access and update your personal information. Contact us to request access to the information we have about you.
9.2 Deletion
You may request that we delete your personal information. We will comply unless we have a legitimate reason to retain it (e.g., legal obligations).
9.3 Opt-Out
You can opt out of:
- Analytics tracking: Use the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on
- Email communications: Click unsubscribe in any email we send (if applicable)
- Cookies: Adjust your browser settings to block cookies
9.4 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:
- The right to know what personal information we collect and how we use it
- The right to request deletion of your personal information
- The right to opt out of the sale of your personal information (we don't sell data)
- The right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights
9.5 European Privacy Rights (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:
- The right to access your personal data
- The right to rectification of inaccurate data
- The right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
- The right to restrict processing
- The right to data portability
- The right to object to processing
10. Children's Privacy
Our Site is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information.
11. Do Not Track Signals
Some web browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature. Currently, there is no industry standard for how to respond to Do Not Track signals. Our Site does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals, but you can opt out of tracking through other methods described in this policy.
12. International Users
Our Site is operated in the United States. If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that information we collect will be transferred to and processed in the United States. By using the Site, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Material changes will be communicated by:
- Updating this page with the new policy
- Sending an email to users who have provided email addresses (if applicable)
- Posting a notice on the homepage
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified policy.
14. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Through our contact form: Contact Page
- By visiting: The Donald Ross Golf Trail website at rossgolftrail.com
We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.
15. Your Consent
By using our Site, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Site.