Complete Driving Range Automation: How Golf Balls Are Collected, Washed, and Returned to Players
Quick Answer:
A fully automated driving range continuously collects, washes, and returns golf balls to players with little to no manual handling. An autonomous golf ball picker gathers balls from the range, an underground collection system transports them into the ball room, automated washers clean them, and conveyors or elevators return them to the dispenser. The result is a continuous cycle that keeps clean balls available throughout the day.
How Does a Fully Automated Driving Range Work?
Whether you're considering complete automation or simply want to understand how modern driving ranges work, this video walks through each stage of the process.
Step 1: Collecting Golf Balls
The autonomous golf ball picker collects golf balls across the driving range and transports them to the designated drop-off point. Using RTK GPS, onboard sensors, and scheduled collection routes, it can operate throughout the day or overnight with minimal staff involvement.
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Operator Insight
Scheduling ball collection around mowing, peak play, or overnight hours helps maximize efficiency. During training, we show operators how to optimize schedules, and we continue to help fine-tune the system as your operation evolves.
Step 2: Underground Ball Collection
Once the golf balls have been collected, they are delivered to the drop-off point. Depending on the facility, this may be an above-ground Bridge or a fully automated Ball Pit that feeds the underground transportation system.
Step 3: Ball Transportation & Washing
Once the golf balls are dropped off, they enter the underground transportation system. A network of pipes uses air pressure to move the balls from the collection point to the ball room, where they are automatically washed before continuing to the next stage.
The ball washer removes dirt, grass, and debris as the balls pass through the system. In the AOS Ball Washing & Transportation System, the golf balls travel between a stationary brush and a durable rubber cleaning surface, thoroughly cleaning each ball before it moves on. The entire process operates automatically, keeping a steady supply of clean golf balls moving through the system with little to no staff involvement.
Step 4: Ball Dispensing
After washing, the golf balls are transported by conveyor or elevator to the dispenser or storage hopper, where they are ready for the next customer. Because the collection, transportation, and washing process runs continuously throughout the day, players always have access to clean golf balls while staff spend less time handling them manually.
Monitoring & Ongoing Support
Once the system is running, operators can monitor and manage the entire automation process from an app. Collection schedules, work areas, robot status, and system alerts can all be viewed remotely, making it easy to adjust operations as conditions change.
At OnPar Automation, we also provide remote support to help customers optimize performance, troubleshoot issues, and keep their automation system operating reliably over the long term.
Planning a Driving Range Automation Project?
Every facility is different. OnPar Automation helps operators evaluate automation options, plan installations, and choose the solution that best fits their range.