Abstract: The golf ball launching device employs an annular ring for mounting a golf ball within a barrel of the launching device upstream of a hinged cover through which the ball is mounted in the barrel. A blast of air from one end of the barrel propels the ball off the ring at a consistent velocity.

Abstract: The test range is provided with a calibration system for calibrating the exact position of a light curtain formed by a ballistic screen. The calibration system uses a model ball which can be moved through a light screen at high speed in order to simulate the actual passage of a driven golf ball through the light screen. Positioning of the model golf ball at a point at which the golf ball just contacts the light screen serves to determine the exact location of the light screen. A laser ranging device is used to locate the calibration system relative to a launch point. Thus, the precise distance of the curtain of light from the launch point can be readily determined. The calibration system may also be used to determine if a ballistic screen is mounted in a true vertical plane.