Sun City West committee opens analysis of moving noisy range ball machines; preliminary estimate ~ $30,000 each

The Sun City West Golf Committee on April 10 began a formal analysis of whether to relocate or enclose range ball-dispensing machines after multiple residents and committee members raised noise and safety concerns.

The committee’s discussion centered on operational options, estimated costs and an interim approach while staff completes a formal budget request. Committee Chairman Rudy Grom told members he had been “cussed out” by players on the Echo Mesa patio after a machine discharged balls, underscoring the complaints staff has received.

Committee members and residents described a range of community responses: some golfers say the machines cause a nuisance on adjacent patios, others say they rarely notice the noise. Pat O'Hara, the golf operations staff member who briefed the committee, said staff previously attempted sound-dampening inside one machine but that the modification deteriorated in the elements and failed to address noise at multiple contact points. "There's really no way to make it better. The only way is to move those machines," O'Hara said.

Why it matters: Ball-dispensing machines sit near player patios at several Sun City West courses; if machines remain where they are they can affect patio users, nearby golfers and,…