The Shot Scope X5 GPS golf watch is getting a pretty massive update today. And it’s one that’s been long-anticipated.

The Edinburgh, Scotland-based company, MyGolfSpy’s official On-Course Partner, is unveiling full hole mapping for its flagship X5 GPS watch. Also included are a few new visual features that unlock Shot Scope’s stable of stats for use on the course.

“The addition of full hole maps to the X5 is something existing users can really make use of,’ says Shot Scope CEO David Hunter. “The bank of statistics they’ve already collected can be used during their round as they take on each hole.”

The firmware update is being rolled out today. It’s free to all existing Shot Scope X5 GPS watch users as well as new customers.

Shot Scope X5 GPS: What Is Full Hole Mapping?

Full hole mapping isn’t anything new in the GPS golf watch game. With the new update, the Shot Scope X5 will expand upon the traditional front-middle-back distances to the green. It now will provide an aerial view of the hole, showing doglegs, bunkers and water hazards.

Additionally, Shot Scope is leveraging its automatic shot-tracking statistics to help you make better on-course decisions. Among the analytics Shot Scope provides is something called P-AVG, Performance Average. P-Avg uses Shot Scope’s unique algorithm to determine how far a well-struck shot with each club will go. When you’re on the tee, the X5 overlays your P-Avg distances for your three longest clubs over the hole map.

P-Avg mathematically eliminates chunks, punch-outs and other intentional or unintentional outliers. At the tee box, the X5 will show the P-Avg distances for your driver, 3-wood and driving iron. You can then decide which will put you in the best position.

The Shot Scope X5 GPS golf watch also includes an adjustable distance line. You use your finger to scroll the line up or down to find the right landing area and avoid hazards. Your P-Avg will only be displayed on par-4 and par-5 holes. It will display just the distance line on par-3 holes.

Also, you’ll need to have at least five rounds worth of edited and signed-off data in your Shot Scope system for P-Avg to display.

More New Features

The Shot Scope X5 launched just about a year ago. At the time, Shot Scope promised full hole mapping was in the works and would be added “eventually.” Today is “eventually.”

Additional features include lay-up distance overlays. The Shot Scope X5 GPS golf watch will show 100-, 150- and 200-yard lay-up distances on the hole map. As you make your way from tee to green, the X5 map automatically zooms in, based on your location. As you approach the green, you’ll be able to access a full green map.

At the next tee box, the X5 will show a standard front-middle-back GPS readout. You use your finger to swipe left and the full hole map will appear on the screen. You’ll see the map with a distance overlay in orange for your driver. You can change the club simply by tapping the club ID icon.

You can also choose a background color for your map. The default is black but white and green are options.

As mentioned, the update is available starting today. If you already own a Shot Scope X5 GPS golf watch, simply go through the process of updating your firmware. If you buy one new, you’ll update the firmware during the product set-up process.

The new update will provide full-hole maps for 36,000 golf courses worldwide.

ShotScope X5 GPS Golf Watch with Full Hole Maps: Final Thoughts, Price and Availability

Shot Scope and Arccos have set themselves apart as the standard bearers in shot-tracking technology and game analytics. Both have undeniable strengths and suffer the occasional missed shots and both require post-round editing. The new hole mapping feature does help Shot Scope close the gap on Arccos in on-course features. Shot Scope’s game data rivals that of Arccos but Arccos will give you a little more information on the course. The question is how much information is too much? Shot Scope’s new hole mapping function does give you plenty of detail to get you from tee to green efficiently.

Arccos has recently untethered itself from your smartphone with its new Link Pro. However, you will need your phone if you want GPS information. And even though many OEMs are including Arccos sensors with their clubs, they’re still battery-powered and will eventually need replacing. Additionally, after the first year, ARCCOS charges a $12.99 per month membership subscription. With Shot Scope, the sensors are non-electric and there are no subscription fees.

Several app-based GPS and shot-tracking systems such as Golfshot leverage technology you already own. They use your iPhone and Apple Watch but are also subscription-based.

But, again, with Shot Scope, you buy an X5 GPS golf watch for $299.99 and that’s it.

You can’t say you don’t have choices. And from our experience, they all perform well and all offer robust and usable analytics.

The Shot Scope X5 GPS golf watch retails for $299.99. It’s available at DICK’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, PGA TOUR Superstores and other golf retailers. It’s also available online at Shot Scope’s website.

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