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Automating golf ball collection at Kingsway Golf Centre with ECHO Robotics

Kingsway Golf Centre transformed its driving range operations with the ECHO Robotics RP-1250 robotic ball picker. By automating golf ball collection, the facility now retrieves up to 20,000 balls daily, saves more than 20 labour hours each week and improves operational efficiency while delivering seamless experience for golfers.

 

A smarter approach to driving range efficiency

Located in Royston, just south of Cambridge, Kingsway Golf Centre operates two 9-hole golf courses and a high-traffic, 30-bay Toptracer driving range. With approximately 25,000 golf balls circulating daily, manual collection had become a major operational bottleneck.

 

To address this challenge, Kingsway Golf Centre partnered with Ground Tech, local reseller of ECHO Robotics, with support from FGM Claymore, the regional distributor. The objective was clear: automate golf ball collection, reduce labor dependency and integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

 

Understanding the operational challenge

James Watts, Operations Director at Kingsway Golf Centre, approached Ground Tech seeking a solution that would:

As the facility continued to grow, reallocating staff to higher-value tasks across the complex became a priority.

 

The ECHO Robotics solution

After an in-depth site assessment, Ground Tech proposed a tailored automation solution built around proven ECHO Robotics technology, designed to function reliably in a space-constrained environment.

Installed system components:

This integrated system allows golf balls to be collected, transported, washed and returned to the dispenser with minimal manual intervention.

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Seamless integration and rapid impact

The installation was completed in early August, with immediate operational benefits. The automated system now collects up to 20,000 golf balls per day, ensuring continuous availability on the driving range without disrupting play.

 

According to James Watts:

“One of the main reasons for contacting Marcus at Ground Tech was to help manage the increasing workload for our greenkeepers. We trusted the well-established ECHO Robotics brand and knew it would be the right fit for us. Since installing the ECHO Robotics RP-1250, we have reallocated over 20 hours of labor per week, allowing us to focus on improvements in other areas of our busy complex.”

 

Measurable results for Kingsway Golf Centre

The impact of automation has been both operational and financial:

By automating a repetitive, labor-intensive task, Kingsway Golf Centre has future-proofed its driving range operations while maintaining high-quality customer experience.

 

A collaborative success

This project demonstrates the value of close collaboration between:

Together, they delivered a scalable solution aligned with Kingsway’s operational needs and growth ambitions.

 

Conclusion: Automation that drives performance

For modern golf facilities, automation is no longer a luxury, it is a strategic investment. The Kingsway Golf Centre case clearly illustrates how ECHO Robotics’ autonomous solutions enable facilities to reduce costs, optimize staffing and improve operational resilience.

To explore how robotic automation can transform your driving range or sports facility or contact your local reseller, to discuss your project.

 

 

FAQ

How does a robotic golf ball picker work?

A robotic golf ball picker autonomously collects golf balls from the driving range using GPS navigation and intelligent route planning. The balls are then transferred into an automated washing and dispensing system, reducing manual labour while keeping the range fully operational.

How many golf balls can the ECHO Robotics RP-1250 collect?

At Kingsway Golf Centre, the ECHO Robotics RP-1250 collects up to 20,000 golf balls per day, ensuring a continuous supply of clean balls for golfers without interrupting play.

What are the benefits of automating golf ball collection?

Automating golf ball collection helps golf facilities:

Can the ECHO Robotics system integrate with existing driving range equipment?

Yes. The ECHO Robotics RP-1250 is designed to integrate with existing ball washing, transport and dispensing systems. At Kingsway Golf Centre, it works seamlessly with a Range Servant ditch elevator and a custom-built holding tank.

Is robotic ball collection suitable for busy driving ranges?

Absolutely. Robotic golf ball collection is particularly well suited to high-volume driving ranges where thousands of golf balls are collected every day. Automation helps facilities cope with increasing demand while allowing staff to focus on higher-value maintenance and customer service tasks.