Shot Scope H50 GPS Handheld

The Shot Scope H50 is a handheld golf GPS with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, green contour maps and a cart magnet, with no subscription fees.

Why it made the list

On Garmin devices, green contours need a paid membership. The H50 includes them for free. Shot Scope builds its green contour maps from digital elevation data mapped meter by meter, so you can see how each putting surface moves before you reach it and pick a better landing spot.

The screen is the other draw. At 4.3 inches it is far bigger than any watch, and Shot Scope says it stays clear in bright sunlight. Full hole maps show fairways, hazards, bunkers and greens, and you can tap any point to get the distance, including plays like yardages.

What it does well

• Green contour maps included, with no subscription
• A large 4.3-inch color touchscreen that works upright or turned sideways
• A built-in cart magnet plus a premium bag clip in the box
• Up to 15+ hours of battery life

The cart magnet keeps the device on the cart bar over bumps, so it stays in sight all round. Walkers can use the bag clip instead.

Who it’s for

The H50 is for golfers who don’t like wearing a watch when they swing, or who want a bigger screen than any watch can offer. It is a strong pick for cart riders and for golfers who want green reading help without paying a yearly fee.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you want automatic shot tracking. The H50 does not pair with Shot Scope’s tracking tags, although you can record shots by hand and review your stats. Golfers who want yardages on the wrist at all times will be happier with a watch.

Key specs, explained

The H50 measures 130 x 73 x 23 mm and weighs 270 grams. The display uses hardened mineral glass. It is IPX7 rated, and Shot Scope says it is built for normal playing conditions, including light rain. Battery life is rated at 15+ hours, which covers three or more rounds.

More than 42,000 courses come preloaded, so there is nothing to download before you play. You get front, middle and back yardages, layup and dogleg distances, and green view with pin placement. Light and dark screen modes and a large digit display make it easy to read at a glance.

How it compares

The Garmin Approach G12 Handheld Golf GPS costs $134.99 if you want a lower priced Garmin handheld. The Bushnell Wingman View GPS Speaker costs $199.00 and mounts on the cart as a GPS speaker that also plays music. Choose the H50 if you want a big screen and green contours for the money.

Good to know

The H50 is $169.99 at Shot Scope right now, down from $199.99. Shot Scope covers it with a 2 year warranty. A multiplayer mode tracks scores for up to four players, and every Shot Scope user gets free access to the app, with 100+ stats including strokes gained. You don’t need your phone during the round, since the H50 works on its own.

Questions about the Shot Scope H50

Is the Shot Scope H50 waterproof?

It is IPX7 rated and built for normal playing conditions, including light rain. Dry it off after a wet round.

Does the Shot Scope H50 track shots automatically?

No, the H50 does not support automatic shot tracking with tags. You can still record shots manually and review your round stats in the app.

Does the H50 need a subscription?

No, the H50 has no subscription fees. Green contours, hole maps and app access are all included.