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, in some instances, create safety concerns when balls scatter. Residents said some balls have gone across parking lots and onto patios. Moving machines would require electrical work, enclosures and site-specific trenching, and it would affect the community budget.

Key details and next steps - Scope: Staff reported seven machines across seven courses: five would need new electrical service plus an enclosure, two would require only an enclosure. Staff said site-specific conditions vary. - Cost signals: The committee and staff discussed two numbers from the meeting: machines originally cost about $12,000 each; staff's preliminary analysis suggested a ballpark of roughly $30,000 per machine to relocate and enclose, if that estimate holds. Cliff (CFO) summarized that a full replacement for all sites could be expensive and would be “a policy decision” for the governing board. - Interim fixes: Committee members proposed lower-cost interim measures — foam lining, mats or community-sourced covers — and residents suggested local metal/wood shops might provide bespoke covers. Pat O'Hara said staff had tried adhesive-backed lining on one machine but the weather caused it to deteriorate and that the modification only dampened some sound. - Budget timing: The committee is reviewing fiscal year (FY) 2026 capital projects but said no line items are currently earmarked for this program. Staff said they could use allowance funds or savings if the governing board approves; the committee requested that staff return next month with cost estimates broken out by enclosure, electrical trenching/conduit, and per-site differences so the committee and board can weigh policy and fiscal trade-offs.

Voices from the meeting - Chairman Rudy Grom recounted: "I was at Echo Mesa, and there was a group of ladies sitting on the patio. And I dropped a bucket of balls, and they proceeded to cuss me out." He said that anecdote reflects why the issue has been brought to the committee. - Pat O'Hara (Golf operations staff) explained the prior attempt at sound-dampening and said, "there's really no way to make it better. The only way is to move those machines." - Cliff (CFO) described the budget framing and confirmed staff were preparing quotes and a phased approach; he noted the governing board would need to approve major expenditures.

Community comments and concerns Residents at the meeting asked how many golfers are bothered and whether the committee would spend large sums to satisfy a vocal minority. Ron Ripley asked whether the committee would spend "that kind of money to satisfy a few people or a large percentage of the golfing community?" Staff said they have not done a scientific survey of how many players are affected and that anecdotal reports vary.

Resident Tom Olgamuth noted that two of the machines have already been moved and suggested the effective scope might be smaller than seven sites. Gary Bosack and others raised safety concerns about balls landing in parking areas and advocated for solutions that reduce stray balls.

What the committee asked staff to do Staff will complete a detailed cost analysis and return next month with a proposal that (1) breaks out electrical/conduit/trenching costs, (2) lists enclosure costs by site, and (3) lays out a phased approach so the committee and the governing board can evaluate trade-offs. The committee emphasized it wants one or two pilot sites documented before asking the governing board to authorize larger expenditures.

Ending The committee did not vote or adopt a final recommendation. Members and staff agreed to return with documented cost estimates and site options at the committee's next meeting so the governing board can review potential funding paths and make a policy decision.