Terms of Service — Fore! Golf App

1. Introduction

Someone bailed on the tee time. Again. Fore! exists so that empty spot gets filled in sixty seconds — by a golfer near you, at your level, who actually shows up. Welcome to the crew.

Welcome to Fore! ("Fore," "the App," "we," "our," or "us"). Fore is a golf community platform that connects golfers, facilitates tee time coordination, enables friendly wagering through digital contracts, and provides reputation tools to build trust among players.

By downloading, accessing, or using Fore, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the App.

2. Eligibility

You must be:

• At least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction)
• Legally capable of entering into binding contracts
• Not located in a jurisdiction where online wagering is prohibited

Money game eligibility requires additional verification (see Section 7).

By using the App, you represent and warrant that you meet all eligibility requirements.

3. Account Registration & Verification

3.1 Account Creation

You must create an account to use core features. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate.

3.2 Email Verification

Core features require verified email addresses. Fore reserves the right to suspend or terminate unverified accounts at its discretion.

3.3 Phone Verification

Access to money game features requires phone verification. You consent to receive SMS verification messages.

3.4 Identity Verification

For money games exceeding $100 per player or cumulative stakes exceeding $500 in any 30-day period, Fore may require government-issued identification. You consent to identity verification through third-party services.

3.5 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity occurring under your account. You must notify Fore immediately of any unauthorized access.

3.6 One Account Per Person

You may not create multiple accounts. Fore may merge, suspend, or terminate duplicate accounts.

4. User Conduct

4.1 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable law, regulation, or rule
• Engage in fraud, deception, or misrepresentation
• Cheat, collude, or manipulate outcomes in money games
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Discriminate against users based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any protected characteristic
• Post false or misleading content
• Manipulate reputation systems (including giving false flags or titles)
• Create fake accounts or impersonate others
• Scrape, harvest, or extract data from the App
• Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App
• Use the App to transmit malware or harmful code
• Interfere with the App's operation or other users' enjoyment
• Attempt to circumvent fees or payment systems
• Use the App for commercial purposes without written consent

4.2 Prohibited Content

You may not post:

• Offensive, obscene, or pornographic material
• Hate speech or discriminatory content
• Threats of violence or self-harm
• Others' private information without consent
• Spam, advertising, or solicitation (unless authorized)
• Content that infringes intellectual property rights

4.3 Course Conduct

Users are expected to:

• Follow all course rules and etiquette
• Maintain pace of play
• Respect course staff and other players
• Honor all tee time commitments
• Comply with dress codes and local policies

5. Tee Times & Matchmaking

5.1 No Guarantee of Match

Fore does not guarantee that posting a tee time will result in finding playing partners. Matchmaking is based on availability, location, skill tier, and user preferences.

5.2 Roster Management

The poster ("host") has sole discretion to accept or decline claims on tee time spots. Fore is not responsible for host decisions.

5.3 No-Show Policy

Repeated no-shows without cancellation may result in:

• Negative reputation flags
• Account restrictions
• Suspension from matchmaking features
• Financial penalties (if applicable to money games)

5.4 Cancellation

Users should cancel with reasonable notice. Fore may track cancellation patterns and apply reputation consequences for excessive last-minute cancellations.

5.5 Course Terms

You are responsible for understanding and complying with the course's own terms, conditions, dress codes, and policies. Fore is not a party to any agreement between you and any golf course.

6. Friends, Groups & Social Features

6.1 Friend Requests

Users may block or report any user. You are not required to accept friend requests.

6.2 Groups

Group creators are responsible for managing membership and content. Fore may remove groups that violate these Terms.

6.3 User-Generated Content

You retain ownership of content you post. By posting, you grant Fore a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content in connection with the App.

6.4 Content Moderation

Fore may remove any content that violates these Terms at its sole discretion. Fore is not obligated to monitor all content but reserves the right to do so.

7. Money Games & Digital Contracts

7.1 Legal Compliance

You are solely responsible for ensuring that your participation in money games complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Fore does not provide legal advice regarding the legality of recreational wagering in your jurisdiction.

Fore is not a gambling operator. We are a technology platform that facilitates peer-to-peer agreements. Users set their own stakes and terms.

7.2 Digital Contract Formation

When you create or accept a money game:

• You are entering into a binding contract with other players
• The terms you set (format, stake, custom terms) are legally enforceable between participants
• Fore is not a party to the player contract
• Fore does not guarantee payment unless escrow is used (see 7.5)

7.3 Eligibility for Money Games

To participate in money games, you must:

• Have phone verification completed
• Have no active suspension for unpaid bets
• Be in good standing (no unresolved disputes)
• Meet any additional requirements Fore may establish

7.4 Mandatory Referee Requirement

All money games require a Trusted Referee ("Ref"). The Ref's role is to:

• Witness the game and verify results
• Resolve disputes regarding scores or rules
• Confirm winners before payout
• Maintain fairness and integrity

Ref decisions are binding unless overturned by Fore staff under Section 11.

7.5 Escrow Services (Where Available)

Fore may offer escrow services for money games. When escrow is used:

• Funds are held by Fore's payment processor
• Funds are released only upon confirmation by all parties or Ref decision
• Fore charges a processing fee (see Section 9)
• Refunds are issued per Section 8

Fore is not a bank. Escrow balances are held in a segregated account with our payment processor and are not insured by FDIC or any government agency.

7.6 Prohibited Wagering Activities

Users may not:

• Bet on outcomes they are participating in while knowingly violating golf rules
• Use the platform for professional gambling operations
• Engage in match-fixing or point-shaving
• Threaten or coerce other players regarding bets
• Attempt to evade fees or manipulate escrow
• Use the platform for any illegal gambling activity

7.7 Player Obligations

By participating in a money game, you agree to:

• Follow all rules of golf as defined by USGA unless custom terms state otherwise
• Honestly report scores
• Pay all owed amounts promptly
• Participate in dispute resolution in good faith
• Respect Ref decisions

8. Payments, Wallets & Fees

8.1 Platform Fees

Fore charges fees for certain services:

Fees may change with 30 days' notice. Continued use after fee changes constitutes acceptance.

8.2 Wallet System

Fore may provide an in-app wallet where users can:

• Hold funds from winnings
• Deposit funds for future stakes
• Pay platform fees
• Withdraw to linked bank account

Wallet balances are not insured by FDIC or any government agency. Fore is not a bank or money transmitter. Funds may be held by third-party payment processors.

8.3 Withdrawal

You may withdraw wallet balances subject to:

• Minimum withdrawal amounts
• Identity verification requirements
• Processing time (typically 2-5 business days)
• Payment processor restrictions

8.4 Tax Obligations

You are solely responsible for reporting and paying any taxes owed on winnings. Fore may issue 1099 forms if required by law.

8.5 Chargebacks

Initiating chargebacks for legitimate escrow deposits is prohibited. Users who file fraudulent chargebacks will be:

• Suspended from money game features
• Flagged with "Never Has Money" reputation
• Responsible for chargeback fees
• Subject to collection actions

8.6 Refunds

Escrow refunds are issued when:

• The round is cancelled before play begins
• All players agree to cancel
• A Ref or Fore staff determines a refund is warranted

Platform fees are non-refundable unless Fore determines an error occurred.

9. Reputation System

9.1 User Flags

Users may award reputation titles to other users based on their experiences. You agree to only provide honest, accurate flags based on actual interactions.

9.2 False Flagging

Knowingly submitting false reputation flags is a violation of these Terms and may result in:

• Removal of your ability to flag others
• Negative reputation on your own profile
• Account suspension

9.3 Reputation Display

Fore displays reputation information on user profiles. You acknowledge that reputation is based on user-submitted information and may not be fully accurate.

9.4 No Defamation Liability

Fore is not liable for defamation claims arising from user-submitted reputation content, provided Fore complies with applicable law (including Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act where applicable).

10. Trusted Referees & Staff Roles

10.1 Trusted Ref Program

Fore may designate users as Trusted Refs based on experience, reputation, and training. Trusted Refs act as neutral third parties in money games.

10.2 Ref Independence

Refs must be impartial. Refs may not officiate games where they have a financial interest or close personal relationship with any player.

10.3 Ref Decisions

Ref decisions on scores, rules, and winners are binding between players. Fore may review Ref decisions only for:

• Clear bias or conflict of interest
• Procedural errors
• Violations of these Terms

10.4 Staff Authority

Fore staff (Founder, Co-founder, Trusted Admin, Moderator) have authority to:

• Suspend accounts
• Reverse decisions
• Resolve disputes
• Assign roles
• Modify reputation flags
• Terminate access to features

10.5 Appeals

Users may appeal staff decisions through the in-app appeals process. Appeals must be filed within 14 days of the decision. Fore will respond within 30 days.

11. Disputes Between Users

11.1 Good Faith Resolution

Users must attempt to resolve disputes directly before escalating to Fore staff.

11.2 Ref Mediation

If direct resolution fails, the assigned Ref will attempt to mediate.

11.3 Fore Staff Escalation

If Ref mediation fails, users may escalate to Fore staff. Staff decisions are final and binding on all parties.

11.4 Suspension for Unpaid Bets

Users who fail to pay legitimate bets may be:

• Suspended from all money game features
• Flagged with "Doesn't Pay Bets"
• Have negative reputation displayed
• Referred to collections (for escrow violations)

11.5 Escrow Disputes

If escrow is used and a dispute arises:

• Funds remain frozen until resolved
• Ref decision determines distribution
• If Ref decision is appealed, Fore staff review
• Fore's decision is final

12. Subscription Services

12.1 Fore+ Subscription

Fore+ is a premium subscription service. By subscribing, you agree to:

• Pay the subscription fee at the stated rate
• Automatic renewal unless cancelled
• Fore's right to change pricing with 30 days' notice

12.2 Cancellation

You may cancel at any time. Access continues until the end of the billing period. No refunds for partial periods unless required by law.

12.3 Trial Periods

Free trials convert to paid subscriptions unless cancelled before the trial ends.

13. Intellectual Property

13.1 Fore IP

The App, including its design, code, logos, trademarks, and content (excluding user content) is owned by Fore and protected by intellectual property laws.

13.2 User Content License

By posting content, you grant Fore a non-exclusive, transferable, sublicensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, and distribute your content.

13.3 User IP Warranty

You represent that you own or have rights to all content you post and that it does not infringe third-party rights.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Kansas, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Informal Resolution

Before filing any legal claim, you agree to contact Fore and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least 30 days.

14.3 Binding Arbitration

ANY DISPUTE NOT RESOLVED INFORMALLY SHALL BE RESOLVED BY BINDING ARBITRATION administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall take place in Wichita, Kansas, or by video conference.

14.4 Class Action Waiver

YOU AND FORE AGREE TO BRING CLAIMS ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

14.5 Small Claims Exception

Either party may pursue claims in small claims court in Wichita, Kansas if the claim falls within that court's jurisdiction.

14.6 Time Limit

Claims must be filed within one (1) year of the events giving rise to the claim.

15. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

FORE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:

• Merchantability
• Fitness for a particular purpose
• Non-infringement
• Accuracy of user content
• Availability of the App
• Safety of in-person meetings
• Legality of wagering in your jurisdiction
• Success of matchmaking

FORE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT:

• The App will be error-free or uninterrupted
• Users will pay their bets
• Reputation information is accurate
• Tee times will be filled
• Golf courses will honor bookings

16. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• FORE'S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO FORE IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) $100.
• FORE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, OR PERSONAL INJURY ARISING FROM IN-PERSON MEETINGS.
• FORE IS NOT LIABLE FOR USER CONDUCT, INCLUDING ASSAULT, HARASSMENT, THEFT, OR OTHER CRIMINAL ACTS.
• FORE IS NOT LIABLE FOR DISPUTES BETWEEN USERS, INCLUDING UNPAID BETS, SCORE DISPUTES, OR COURSE POLICY VIOLATIONS.
• FORE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ACTIONS OF GOLF COURSES, INCLUDING CANCELLATIONS, INJURIES ON COURSE PROPERTY, OR REFUSAL OF SERVICE.

17. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Fore, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of the App
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any law or third-party rights
• Your participation in money games
• Your interactions with other users
• Content you post on the App

18. Safety Disclaimer

Fore is a matching platform only. We do not:

• Conduct background checks on users (unless explicitly stated)
• Verify the identity of all users (except for money games as described)
• Guarantee user safety
• Screen for criminal history

By meeting other users, you acknowledge and accept these risks. You should:

• Meet in public places
• Tell someone where you're going
• Trust your instincts
• Report suspicious behavior to Fore

19. Termination

19.1 Termination by User

You may terminate your account at any time through the App settings or by contacting support.

19.2 Termination by Fore

Fore may suspend or terminate your account for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent activity
• Unpaid fees or bets
• Safety concerns
• Legal compliance requirements
• Any reason at Fore's discretion with notice

19.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• You lose access to all features
• Pending money games may be cancelled
• Escrow funds will be returned per Section 8.6
• Your content may remain visible
• You remain liable for any outstanding obligations

20. Privacy

Your use of the App is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference.

21. Changes to Terms

Fore may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through:

• In-app notifications
• Email to your registered address
• Push notifications

Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. If you disagree with changes, you must stop using the App.

22. Miscellaneous

22.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Fore.

22.2 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining provisions remain in effect.

22.3 No Waiver

Fore's failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of that provision.

22.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights under these Terms. Fore may assign its rights freely.

22.5 Force Majeure

Fore is not liable for failures caused by events beyond reasonable control (weather, natural disasters, government actions, internet outages).

22.6 Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms do not create rights for third parties except as explicitly stated.

22.7 Survival

Sections that by their nature should survive termination (including 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17) shall survive.

23. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:

• Email: legal@foregolf.app
• Mail: Fore Golf, [Address], Wichita, KS
• In-App: Settings → Help → Contact Support

24. State-Specific Disclosures

24.1 California Users

Under California Civil Code Section 1789.3, California users may contact the Complaint Assistance Unit of the Division of Consumer Services of the California Department of Consumer Affairs at 1625 North Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834, or (800) 952-5210.

24.2 New Jersey Users

No specific provisions apply.

Appendix A: Money Game Format Definitions

Appendix B: Reputation Flags

Appendix C: Fee Schedule