{"id":229311,"date":"2020-07-21T20:56:35","date_gmt":"2020-07-21T20:56:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-with-david-hunter-shot-scope-technologies\/"},"modified":"2022-10-06T12:33:12","modified_gmt":"2022-10-06T12:33:12","slug":"interview-with-david-hunter-shot-scope-technologies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-with-david-hunter-shot-scope-technologies\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with David Hunter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Interview<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n


Backgrounder —<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

David Hunter founded Shot Scope in December 2014. A keen golfer, Hunter invented the technology after tracking the performance of his own game for five years, improving his handicap from 16 to five. A background in electronics design and embedded software development, David qualified from Heriot Watt university in Edinburgh with an honors degree in Electronics and Software Engineering then went on to complete a Masters of Engineering and Business Development at The University of Edinburgh.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n


After graduation David worked in various engineering and design positions within the electronics industry. Including seven years as a consultant designing electronics products for medical, military, industrial and commercial markets. Followed by two years teaching design and technology at high schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As CEO of Shot Scope, Hunter is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the company and managed the development and launch of three products, multiple funding rounds that include significant awards for intellectual property and innovation and growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passionate about sport, David has a Black Belt in Taekwondo and in his teenage years travelled the world competing internationally as part of the Scottish and British Taekwondo team. Hunter is married and has two young children.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Interview<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n


The Hunter story —<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I fell in love with golf at 23 years old after spending my teenage years playing and competing in a variety of different sports. A chance game of golf at my local club in near perfect conditions, important as I play golf in Scotland and a score in the 80s. I was like most amateur golfers, I just couldn\u2019t get enough of the beautiful game and if I wasn\u2019t on the course I was hitting balls at the range or reading books on how to improve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be honest, I didn\u2019t think for a second that I would be lucky enough to work in the golf industry. I wasn\u2019t an exceptional golfer and had started to build a career in engineering. The opportunity to start a business in golf came through a unique series of events. I was back at University training to teach design and technology and saw opportunities to start a business. A wearable to track performance on the course had been at the back of my mind for a while. I attended a series of start-up events and training courses, pitched the idea in London at the UK Sports Innovation Awards and won just enough funding to leave my job and start working full time on the idea, it was December 2013 and my wife was 6-months pregnant with our 1st child, not the best time to start a business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, I feel privileged, I am exceptionally lucky to build a product that combines my passion for golf and technology. Our products significantly change how a golfer plays for the better and Shot Scope is used by golfers worldwide to improve. That\u2019s pretty cool!

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n


\n\n\n\n


How are things faring with Shot Scope since the onset of the pandemic? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The company is in a good position. At the start of the pandemic I spent a lot of time with the board and management team planning for all scenarios. A fluent and agile plan was implemented that allowed the company to adapt quickly to economic changes. The launch of two new products was a challenge with the team working remotely and delays in manufacturing however we are now past that phase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


How are overall sales progressing given today’s new reality? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From my experience trying to book a tee time there may actually be a resurgence of new golfers playing the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shot Scope G3 and V3 launched early July and demand is high. Sales and interest in the new products surpassed our expectations. Shot Scope V3 sold out within two weeks. We are lucky that golf is one of a small number of sports that can be played under social distance guidelines.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n