By ED TRAVIS
One of the items grabbing the most attention at the recent PGA Show was Shot Scope’s LM1 launch monitor that has the data recording and reporting features most golfers need at an astonishing price of under $200.
Fast Facts Shot Scope LM1 Launch Monitor
3.5” color display
Indoor or outdoor use
Doppler radar sensor
Club indicator
Records club & ball speed
Carry distance
Total distance
Smash factor
No subscription fee
$199.99
WYNTK
If anyone doubts the impact of technology on golf just look at Shot Scope’s new LM1 personal launch monitor at, what some people seeing it for the first time at the PGA Show, called an “impossible price.”
The LM1 doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of launch monitors costing thousands nor is it a golf simulator, which would be the obvious next step. However, it does do what it is designed to do very well and that is to be an affordable personal launch monitor for anyone who is interested in improving.
Jennifer Saxton, Shot Scope’s marketing manager, told me this was their first launch monitor though of course the 12-year-old Edinburgh, Scotland-based company is well known to golfers. An early pioneer in on-course shot tracking they also have a comprehensive line of laser rangefinders and GPS watches which we have favorably reviewed over the years.
She also pointed out that in addition to the sub-$200 price they do not charge an annual subscription fee, something other products do that invariably irritates users.
Echoing the same theme Chief Commercial Officer Gavin Dear said, “At this price point, it’s ideal for the person that’s going to practice at ranges or practice on the course that doesn’t need a full-blown simulator.”
Soon to be available at brick and mortar retail and online the LM1 should be checked out by players, from aspirational to veteran, looking to have an easy cost effective way to improve their swings.
