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Shot Scope Adds Strokes Gained Course Analysis Features
The only thing I have in common with Tiger Woods is that we both want to shoot a lower score than whatever we posted. That is, unless he’s a fan of Dr. Pepper and fresh cut limes. In fact, the pursuit of better play is the element that binds golfers, regardless of age or ability. It’s with that understanding that companies like ShotScope offer a comprehensive stat-tracking platform with a bevy of advanced analytics.
Earlier this year, ShotScope launched several new devices aimed at the golfer who wants all the data but would rather not wear a watch or lug around an iPhone (or Android device). It takes longer to bring new hardware to market than to create updated software. If you own a Tesla or Smart TV, this isn’t new information. Beyond that, it underlies a fundamental value of personal technology. The device is important. But really, it’s a conduit to an entire user experience. In this case, that experience is all about finding ways to shoot lower scores.
SHOT SCOPE – WHAT’S CHANGED
Shot Scope is still in the business of GPS devices and automatic shot tracking technology. That said, it’s really in the business of personalized performance assessment and information gathering.
Getting the data is relatively easy. Ensuring that it’s intelligible and relevant to the golfer? That’s a bit more arduous.
This latest update from Shot Scope focuses on course-specific performance – and by extension, hole-specific performance. Gavin Dear, CCO of Shot Scope states, “It was our vision that golfers would be able to use these features to help them play their home course to the best of their ability and use the data provided to help with strategising out on the course.”
The general thinking is that most golfers have a “home” course (or two) that they play most often. As such, it stands to reason that it is on such courses that golfers will generate the most data and perhaps find the clearest opportunities for improvement. How might your club selection change if you knew that missing short of a green gave you an 86% better chance of saving par than missing left or right? Maybe you have a driveable par 4, but you’re not sure whether to go for it or lay up? Shot Scope believes the answers to those questions lie in individualized data based on past performance and skill level.
WHAT THE SHOT SCOPE DATA MEANS FOR YOU
It’s simple to generate a quick list of potential applications. It starts with a comprehensive assessment of how a golfer typically performs on a given course. Spoiler alert – golfers are notoriously bad at self-assessment. As a group we overestimate how far we hit the ball, poorly diagnose the root causes of errant shots (bunker didn’t have enough sand in it…I didn’t really warm up, etc.) and conveniently forget several three-putts that “probably shouldn’t have happened anyway.”
Once you have a clear picture of overall performance, Shot Scope gets more granular with individual hole statistics. I’d imagine many of us have certain holes that we tend to play well. And the converse is equally true. But how often do we just accept the results without questioning the process?
In addition, ShotScope provides heat maps of typical activity on each hole alongside the individual strokes gained ranking per hole. Once a golfer has completed several rounds, the Shot Scope software produces a strokes-gained ranking for each hole. This ranking is then compared to the course hole ranking. For example, the hardest hole based on course ranking (#1 handicap) might not the same hole that produces your “worst” strokes-gained data. Conversely, the easiest hole (#18 handicap) might not generate your highest strokes-gained values. Beyond the nominal rankings, this feature allows golfers to benchmark against players with similar handicaps on the same course.
The less obvious application is for instructors. Often, golfers take lessons in isolated environments (practice range, short-game area, indoors, etc.) But as we know, golf isn’t played on a driving range. With this software addition, coaches can use real, on-course data to help inform practice sessions or help develop course strategy.
If you’re already in the ShotScope ecosystem, the updates are already active on the online dashboard as well as the mobile app.
For more information, visit shotscope.com.
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