---
title: Complete Driving Range Automation | OnPar Automation
description: Explore the complete driving range automation process, from autonomous ball collection and Ball Pit systems to washing, dispensing, and monitoring.
---

[![OnPar Automation Primary Logo](https://www.onparautomation.com/hubfs/Marketing/OPA%20Logos/OPA-Primary-RGB-Logo.svg "OnPar Automation Primary Logo")](https://www.onparautomation.com?hsLang=en)

- Range Picker 
    - [Overview](https://www.onparautomation.com/rangepicker)
    - [Drop-Off Solutions](https://www.onparautomation.com/range-picker-drop-off-solutions)
    - [Cost Calculator](https://www.onparautomation.com/cost-comparison-calculator)
    - [Locations](https://www.onparautomation.com/range-picker-locations)
    - [Quiet Operation](https://www.onparautomation.com/quiet-robotic-golf-ball-range-picker)
    - [FAQ](https://www.onparautomation.com/faq)
- Inrange® Golf 
    - [Inrange Technology](https://www.onparautomation.com/inrange-golf)
    - [FAQ](https://www.onparautomation.com/inrange-faq)
- Support 
    - [Support Services](https://www.onparautomation.com/support-services)
    - [Customer Portal](https://www.onparautomation.com/support)
- About Us 
    - [Our Team](https://www.onparautomation.com/about-us)
    - [Blog](https://www.onparautomation.com/blog)
    - [Job Posts](https://www.onparautomation.com/career)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.onparautomation.com/contact)
- [Resources](https://www.onparautomation.com/driving-range-automation)

[Get In Touch](https://www.onparautomation.com/contact?hsLang=en)

# How Golf Balls Move Through an Automated Driving Range

### **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. Although the physical movement of golf balls is automated, the equipment still requires routine maintenance, monitoring and occasional operational adjustments to perform reliably.

## The Complete Ball Journey

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.

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## Step 1: Collecting Golf Balls

The [autonomous golf ball picker](https://www.onparautomation.com/how-does-an-autonomous-golf-ball-picker-work?hsLang=en) 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](https://www.onparautomation.com/rangepicker?hsLang=en) 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.

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## 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. For example, 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 process automates much of the physical ball handling, keeping a steady supply of clean golf balls moving through the system while reducing the amount of time staff spend manually collecting, washing and transporting them.

## 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.

- 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.

## Step 5: Monitoring, Maintenance & Ongoing Optimization

Automation reduces repetitive manual work, but it does not make the equipment maintenance-free. Like any commercial equipment, an automated ball-handling system performs best when it is routinely inspected, cleaned and managed.

Facility staff still play an important role by completing routine maintenance, responding to alerts and communicating when site conditions or operational needs change. Collection schedules, operating zones and restricted areas may also need to be adjusted over time as mowing routines, weather, turf conditions and customer traffic change.

[OnPar Automation](https://www.onparautomation.com/support-services?hsLang=en) provides training, remote monitoring, troubleshooting and ongoing operational guidance to help customers keep their systems performing reliably. We can help identify issues, fine-tune schedules and work areas, and coordinate support across the connected equipment.

The most successful systems are supported by an active partnership between facility staff and the OnPar team. Regular care and communication allow small issues to be addressed early and help the equipment operate as efficiently as possible over the long term.

- Operator Insight
  
  **Automated does not mean unattended.** The system handles much of the repetitive work, while routine maintenance, monitoring and occasional adjustments help protect performance.

## Planning for Long-Term Performance

Whether you are evaluating automation or already operating a system, we can help with planning, training, maintenance guidance and ongoing optimization.

[Discuss Your Range](mailto:sales@onparautomation.com)

## OnPar Automation LLC

**Contact Us:** [sales@onparautomation.com](mailto:sales@onparautomation.com)

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/onpar-automation> <http://www.youtube.com/@OnParAutomation> <https://www.facebook.com/OnParAutomation> <https://www.instagram.com/onparautomation>

###### Products

- [Range Picker](https://www.onparautomation.com/rangepicker)
- [Drop-Off Solutions](https://www.onparautomation.com/range-picker-drop-off-solutions)
- [Inrange Golf](https://www.onparautomation.com/inrange-golf)

###### Information

- [Support Services](https://www.onparautomation.com/support-services)
- [Customer Portal](https://www.onparautomation.com/support)
- [Range Picker Locations](https://www.onparautomation.com/range-picker-locations)
- [Cost Calculator](https://www.onparautomation.com/cost-comparison-calculator)

###### About OPA

- [Our Team](https://www.onparautomation.com/about-us)
- [Blog](https://www.onparautomation.com/blog)
- [PGA Show 2027](https://www.onparautomation.com/pga)
- [Job Posts](https://www.onparautomation.com/career)

---

© OnPar Automation, LLC. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy](https://www.onparautomation.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) | [Terms of Service](https://www.onparautomation.com/terms?hsLang=en) | [SMS](https://www.onparautomation.com/sms?hsLang=en) 12081 W Alameda Pkwy #134 Lakewood, CO 80228

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