Shot Scope CONNEX Performance Tracking System

The new Shot Scope CONNEX Performance Tracking System is many things. But it’s important to first focus on what it isn’t.

It’s not a step backward in technology. It’s not a replacement for the new (relatively) Shot Scope X5 golf GPS watch/shot tracking system. And it’s not a replacement for the H4 golf GPS/Shot tracking unit, either.

Shot Scope CONNEX isn’t replacing anything in the Shot Scope lineup.

What is it?

It is, in fact, an option to get into fully functional shot tracking, Strokes Gained data and a complete analytics package for your game. And, technically, it’s less than $100.

With no monthly fee.

Got your attention?

Shot Scope CONNEX

“It’s different for us,” says Gavin Dear, Shot Scope’s Chief Commercial Officer and a former European Tour pro. “It’s utilizing the app and using cell phones and it’s a starter way to get into performance tracking.”

The Shot Scope CONNEX package is simple: 16 Shot Scope sensors, or “tags,” which unlock a full-course GPS function on the Shot Scope app. Shot Scope made its bones on “tagless” or no-contact shot tracking with its V2, V3 and now X5 GPS watches. Those units track your shots automatically using the RFID tags and hardware in the watch band.

CONNEX is, comparatively speaking, low-tech.

“You use the GPS in our app and you ‘tag’ the sensor to your phone,’ says Dear. “A couple of companies do this really well. We looked at it and our app is as good as anything out there so why don’t we open this up as a way for golfers to hop in? We already make the tags so it’s a no-brainer for us.”

The way it works is simple. Your phone has an NFC reader like you’d use for making payments. That reader picks up the RFID tag at the end of your club. When you’re ready to take a shot, simply hover the tag near the phone. It’ll vibrate and capture the shot.

After that, it’s wash, rinse, repeat.

Shot Scope CONNEX: Pros and Cons

No, it’s not automatic. And, yes, you do need your phone as you prepare for the shot. No, you do not need to keep your phone in your pocket while you take the shot. But, yes, it is a manual process.

And, no, the CONNEX tags are not the same as the tags included with the Shot Scope X5 watch or H4 GPS device. Those tags are black. The CONNEX-specific tags are gray and are designed to work specifically with your phone.

But, then again, you get the full Shot Scope shot tracking, analytics package and Strokes Gained info for $99.99 which, technically, is less than $100.

“We want to work on having four or five different ways for someone to track their data,” says Dear. “Somebody may only want to spend $100 for it or they may not want to wear anything on their wrist. Or maybe they already have a GPS watch but still want to track their shots.”

Or maybe they’d like shot tracking, analytics and Strokes Gained info for $99.99 and not have to pay an additional monthly subscription fee. There’s that.

Using Shot Scope CONNEX

To make CONNEX work, Shot Scope is updating its app to include a golf GPS feature (CONNEX tags unlock the GPS feature). As you get ready to tee off, you open the app and select your course. You get the traditional aerial view of each hole with front-middle-back distances as well as distances to penalty areas and doglegs.

When you’re ready to hit a shot, you first must tap the “Scan” icon on the GPS map. The view changes to a simple front-middle-back measurement and the app asks you to scan, or tag, your club. You then tap or hover the gray CONNEX tag near your phone’s NFC reader which is usually on the back near the camera. Once the phone vibrates, you’re ready to hit.

If you forget to hover or tap before the shot, you can always do it after the shot as the system only registers from where you hit the shot. The Shot Scope shot tracking watches are different from CONNEX in that they register the actual impact.

CONNEX also includes Shot Scope’s unique Pin Collect feature. Pin Collect allows you to pinpoint the location of the hole for reasonably accurate putting stats. If you want the most accuracy, you’ll need to carry your phone with you onto the green, scan the putter on each putt and hold the phone over the cup and press the Pin Collect button.

You can also just scan all of your putts without Pin Collect but you’ll have to add the pin location in post-round editing. Your third option is to leave the phone in the cart while you’re putting and manually enter all your putting data later.

The Data Package

The Shot Scope data package isn’t as sexy as Arccos’s but there’s plenty of info to digest. You’ll get average distances for each club as well as the longest shots you’ve hit with each club. There’s also something Shot Scope calls Performance Average which is more useful as it removes outliers, mishits and other wonky shots that are included in the average for each club.

You also get Strokes Gained information measuring your performance against PGA TOURplayers, scratch players and 5-, 10-, 15-, 20- or 25-handicap players. Additionally, all analytics are included in Shot Scope Academy, a free package for PGA of America professionals, coaches and teachers who can track and analyze player performance on the course. They can then use that information in lessons and practice sessions to help their players or students improve.

Final Thoughts, Price and Availability

Again, Shot Scope isn’t discontinuing any of its products nor is CONNEX replacing anything. It’s simply another option to get into shot tracking, Strokes Gained and game analytics.

“We want different methods of collection because having just one method is pigeonholing the consumer by telling them, ‘You’ve got to do it this way,'” says Dear.

Between the new X5 watch, the older H4 GPS handheld with shot tracking and now CONNEX, Shot Scope certainly has you covered at varying price points. The X5 golf GPS watch with shot tracking runs $299.99 while the H4 handheld golf GPS unit with shot tracking sells for $149.99. Additionally, the H4 unit is included as part of Shot Scope’s PRO LX+ rangefinder which is selling for $299.99 and is due for an update this summer.

The Shot Scope lineup follows an interesting price/convenience matrix. The lower the price, the more you personally have to do while on the course. CONNEX requires the most effort on your part while the X5 GPS watch requires very little interaction. The H4 falls somewhere in between.

Much like life itself, it all depends on what you want and what you’re willing to do to get it. But if you’re using your phone for GPS anyway, tagging is a relatively small step. And despite the imagery provided by Shot Scope, it’s worth repeating that you don’t have to keep your phone in your pocket while playing.

The Shot Scope CONNEX system goes on sale today at DICK’S, Golf Galaxy, PGA TOUR Superstore, other golf retailers and online at www.shotscope.com.

It retails for $99.99.