50 Words or Less
The Shot Scope CONNEX system is the lowest-cost way to get into shot tracking. Get all of Shot Scope’s impressive data without any designated hardware. Requires your phone on the course, but offers a great GPS app.
Introduction
Over the last few years, much of the instructional content I’ve written – particularly in the Course Management section [check it out HERE] – has centered on data gleaned from shot tracking. Shot tracking is nothing short of a game changer for players who really want to drop their handicap, but it can be expensive to get started. With the new Shot Scope CONNEX, that barrier has been destroyed. At just $99 with no annual fee, it’s the most affordable way to get deep insights into your game.
Set Up & Ease of Use
Setting up Shot Scope CONNEX is a breeze. First, screw the club tags into your clubs. As you can see above, the CONNEX tags are no bigger than the “standard” Shot Scope tags. They weigh about two grams, so they have no impact on the feel of the club.* Next, download the free Shot Scope app and set up an account. You’re now ready to start shot tracking.
When you get to the course, open the Shot Scope app and tap the “+” icon to start a new round. Select “GPS with Tracking,” and then choose the course you want to play. Pick your tees and a satellite image of the first hole will come up. When you’re on the tee box, tap the sound wave icon on the bottom right to bring up the scanner (see below). Hold the club tag to your phone’s camera, and you’ll feel a quick vibration. Play your shot, then repeat the process for each subsequent shot.
*For those of you about to run to the comments to tell me you can feel the difference, please save yourself the embarrassment. You are not Tiger Woods.
Accuracy & Performance
If you’re not familiar with shot tracking, in short, Shot Scope CONNEX logs every shot you hit, the distance it traveled, and then compiles all your stats – including Strokes Gained – after the round. If you want a full breakdown of all the data you can get from Shot Scope, please check out my review of the Shot Scope X5 HERE.
I want to focus more on how Shot Scope CONNEX differs from other shot tracking options and how it performs on the course. Starting with the positives, the Shot Scope GPS app is excellent. The satellite imagery is clear, the yardages are accurate and update rapidly, and the app is responsive to zooming in and getting yardages to specific targets.
The other major advantage of Shot Scope CONNEX is that there is never any need for post-round editing. While the X5 and H4 are excellent, they do occasionally miss a shot or count a practice swing. Because every shot has to be very intentionally logged with CONNEX, you know your results will be perfect.
Of course, the major “downside” to Shot Scope CONNEX is the need to have your phone with you on the course. Being able to leave my phone in my bag is one of my favorite things about the Shot Scope X5. But what is a negative to me may be a positive for you if you already use a GPS app or simply like having your phone in your pocket.
Ultimately, Shot Scope’s line up has something for everyone at every price point. For me, the most seamless experience is the X5. It is, however, the most expensive. If you want to ditch your phone without spending as much money, there’s the Shot Scope H4 [review HERE]. This system does require tapping your tags to the device, but it’s a quicker process than with Shot Scope CONNEX.
Value
The Shot Scope CONNEX retails for $99, and has no annual fee. Let me say that again: no annual fee. The value here is absolutely insane. You get full access to all of the data on your game for just $99. Shot Scope could have easily decided to reserve Strokes Gained for their X5 customers, but they didn’t. Major hat tip to them for that.
Conclusion
With Shot Scope CONNEX, there is truly no excuse not to shot track. At a cost of just $99 with no annual fee and no on-course hardware required, there is no reason not to take advantage of all this data. If you are serious about lowering your handicap, shot tracking needs to be part of your plan.
Buy Shot Scope CONNEX HERE
Matt is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Plugged In Golf. He’s worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.