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, vacuums or blowers return them to the dispenser. The result is a continuous cycle that keeps clean balls constantly flowing into the dispenser.
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 (Real-Time Kinematic) 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
For a fully automated system, the Range Picker releases the golf balls into an underground Ball Pit or similar collection point. From there, the balls enter the transportation system without requiring staff to remove or move baskets.
Facilities that are not ready for underground infrastructure may instead use an above-ground Bridge. This automates ball collection but still requires staff to transport the collected balls to the washer.
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 vacuums, blowers or elevators 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.
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Operator Insight
The location of the collection point, ball room, and dispenser should be planned as one connected system. Early coordination between equipment providers and contractors can prevent unnecessary changes once construction begins.
Monitoring & Ongoing Support
Operators can remotely manage the Range Picker through the Relox App, including collection schedules, work areas, robot activity, and system alerts. Additional ball-handling equipment operates automatically as balls move through the transportation, washing, and dispensing process.
Because a complete automation system may include equipment from multiple manufacturers, OnPar Automation helps coordinate the collection, ball-handling, and support components so they function as one connected process.
We also provide remote support to help customers optimize performance, troubleshoot issues, and maintain reliable operation over the long term.
Not sure what level of automation makes sense for your range?
We can help you understand the options, infrastructure requirements, and practical next steps for your facility.