The 10 Best Golf Simulator Projectors

Golf simulators are a great way to improve your game and have some fun at the same time. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That's where this list of the best golf simulator projectors comes in. We've gathered together the top-rated projectors for golf simulation, so you can find the perfect one for your needs from our list of the best Golf Simulator Projectors.

best golf simulator projectors
If you want to perfect your swing, the great indoors can become a great place to practice. Golf simulators have reached incredible levels of veracity, putting you on iconic courses all over the world while never leaving your home. Talk about entertainment.

But without the right golf projector, the best graphics interface on a top-shelf golf simulator can become a muddy mess. That’s not an ideal situation. Scrolling through product specs on retail websites can gloss over even a sharp pair of eyeballs, so we’re here to save you the trouble and expense. What follows is our list of recommendations for the best golf simulator projectors, based on a variety of criteria.

Top 10 Golf Projectors

You can use the links below to jump directly to the projector or you can scroll through the page and review them all.

Best Overall: Optoma GT1090HDR Short Throw Laser Projector
Runner Up: Panasonic PT-VMZ50U Golf Simulator Projector
Best 4k: BenQ LK936ST Golf Simulator Projector
Runner up 4k: ViewSonic PX748 4K UHD Projector
Best Value: Optoma EH200ST
Runner Up Value: BenQ TH671ST
Optoma EH412ST Golf Simulator Projector
BenQ TK700STi Golf Simulator Projector
Optoma UHD35 Golf Simulator Projector
BenQ MW632ST Golf Simulator Projector

Check Out Our Golf Simulator Projector Calculator

BEST OVERALL GOLF SIMULATOR PROJECTOR

Optoma GT1090HDR Short Throw Laser Projector

Our top slot for best overall golf projector goes to the Optoma GT1090HDR because of its potent bang for the buck. There are higher quality golf projectors at a considerably steeper price, but this golf projector sits at the point where technical capability intersects with dollars spent. In today’s world, affordability matters.

You can’t beat the two L's that this projector brings: laser and lumens. The DuraCore laser means no lamp-filter replacement, letting you swing away for 30,000 unfettered hours. And you’ll be driving into an image brightened by 4,200 lumens, meaning you can keep the lights on or place it outside.

Sharp, crisp clear images are what make indoor golf feel so real. The Optoma GT1090HDR brings 1080p golf with 4K input, along with a contrast ratio of 300,000:1. Because it’s a short-throw projector, you can mount it 4’ 4” away for a picture that’s 120 inches. A smaller indoor space can become a rocking driving range.

Pro's
  • 1.07 billion displayable colors
  • Vertical and horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees (+ or -)
  • A high degree of connectivity (4K & 1080p HDR,  HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, MHL, HDMI 1.4, VGA)
  • Digital zoom: 0.8-2.0x
  • Fast response time, very little lag
Con's
  • Built-in speaker somewhat weak
  • Possible mounting difficulties
  • 4k color projection can seem washed out

Honorable Mention (Best Overall Golf Projector)

Panasonic PT-VMZ50U Golf Simulator Projector
Out of the box, this golf projector unleashes some finely crafted fury. It comes with a native aspect ratio of 16:10 and a WUXGA resolution of 1920 x 1200, making it the perfect option for an HD ecosystem. Its quiet operation will never mess up your back swing.

Its 5000 lumens will render each simulated course you play with stunning clarity, and it clocks in at 2.3 million pixels per frame, meaning that it truly can transport you into a mind-bending experience. The colors shine through because the PT-VMZ50U contains a 3LCD imager instead of a single DLP chip installed in the majority of business projectors.

The laser light source will long-haul 20,000 hours of use with impeccable reliability, and Panasonic’s unique cooling technology is remarkable for a projector this small and efficient. It is very light (16 lbs) for a 3LCD projector rated at 5000 lumens, so a ceiling mount would be easy enough.

Pro's
  • Laser light-source
  • 1.6x zoom lens for short-throw distances
  • Supports wide V/H lens 
  • Handles 4K signal output
  • 3,000,000:1 contrast
Con's
  • Standard throw, not short-throw

BEST 4K GOLF SIMULATOR PROJECTOR

BenQ LK936ST Golf Simulator Projector

If you want the cream of the crop, then hands down this is the projector for you. The BenQ LK936ST might cost double what you’d pay for another “4K” projector, but this machine goes beyond the marketing slogans and delivers the highest quality pictures. And it was designed with a golf simulator in mind. Entertainment has never felt so real before.

Let’s start with some eye-popping stats. The laser light source beams in at 5,100 lumens, with a 3,000,000: 1 contrast ratio. The vibrant colors are almost more real than reality. Ambient lighting won’t be a problem with this level of  brightness. This golf projector delivers 4 times the resolution of a 1080p screen, with jaw-dropping clarity of actual 4K, 8.3 million pixels worth. 

If the golf simulator projector placement is 15 feet away from the screen, you’re talking about hitting against a picture that’s 10 feet tall. There will be no shadows and glare; you’ll feel like you’re at St. Andrews punching through the dunes. Its quiet operation will make it seem like the gallery is hushed for the last shot.

Pro's
  • Exclusive Golf Mode
  • Sealed components to reduce dust
  • Lens shift for easy installation
  • Keystone correction: 60% vertically and 23% horizontally
  • 20,000 hours of operation
Con's
  • Speaker volume could improve

Honorable Mention (Best 4K)

ViewSonic PX748 4K UHD Projector

Out of the box, this golf projector unleashes some finely crafted fury. It comes with a native aspect ratio of 16:10 and a WUXGA resolution of 1920 x 1200, making it the perfect option for an HD ecosystem. Its quiet operation will never mess up your back swing.

Its 5000 lumens will render each simulated course you play with stunning clarity, and it clocks in at 2.3 million pixels per frame, meaning that it truly can transport you into a mind-bending experience. The colors shine through because the PT-VMZ50U contains a 3LCD imager instead of a single DLP chip installed in the majority of business projectors.

The laser light source will long-haul 20,000 hours of use with impeccable reliability, and Panasonic’s unique cooling technology is remarkable for a projector this small and efficient. It is very light (16 lbs) for a 3LCD projector rated at 5000 lumens, so a ceiling mount would be easy enough.

Pro's
  • Laser light-source
  • 1.6x zoom lens for short-throw distances
  • Supports wide V/H lens 
  • Handles 4K signal output
  • 3,000,000:1 contrast
Con's
  • Standard throw, not short-throw

Best Value Golf Simulator Projector

Optoma EH200ST
If you want to keep your investment under four digits, the Optoma EH200ST is your ride. For a price that sits just under $1,000, this golf projector delivers some real technical value. Don’t let the 3000 lumens dull you into thinking this machine doesn’t pack a punch: for the money, it projects a bright and clear image. The max resolution is 1080p and the contrast is 20,000:1, both of which can more than fit your needs.

If you’re someone who wants to convert a small space in a garage to work on your game, keep in mind that this is a short-throw projector, with an accent on short. You need to mount it about 3.5 feet from where you’re going to project, and then you’ll end up with a 100-inch diagonal image. You’ll need to think through how to position a golf simulator projector screen.

Caveat emptor: the input/output cables are located on the side and won’t be concealed with floor mounted. A word to the wise before you put it in your cart. 

Pro's
  • Excellent wired connectivity (2 HDMI ports, MHL)
  • Great for tight spaces
  • Keystone correction
  • Good customer service if something goes wrong
  • Extremely quiet during operation
Con's
  • No Bluetooth or wireless connectivity
  • Won’t perform well with ambient light
  • Digital zoom not recommended
  • 6,500-hour lamp
  • Weak built-in speaker

Honorable Mention (Best Value  Projector)

BenQ TH671ST
If you want to spend around $1,000, and you’re more interested in a table-mount or portable solution, then the BenQ TH671ST might be the right club to reach the pin, so to speak. This golf simulator projector doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, but it’s got a very robust technical profile. You’re looking at 3000 lumens and a max resolution of 1080p, but the contrast clocks in at 10,000:1, so the colors might not pop compared to other projectors.

The upside is that you can mount it on a table. A low-lag time is what this projector boasts, with a 16.67 input lag and a microsecond DMD response time. It was designed for people who want a minimum of fuss in their lives.

Pro's
  • Very lightweight at 5 lbs
  • Very low lag speed
Con's
  • Low color contrast

FOUR MORE Golf Projectors WORTH CONSIDERING

Optoma EH412ST Golf Simulator Projector
This projector is a definite upgrade from the Optoma EH200ST that we crowned Best Value, but it will cost $500 more. For the money, however, you’re getting a much more powerful and robust projector.

At 4000 lumens, it is 33% brighter than its well-regarded sibling, and its color contrast of 50,000:1 comes in 2.5 times higher, which translates into improved image quality and vividness of color. They have the same 1080p resolution out of the box, but the EH412ST has the capability of handling 4K inputs.

Another bonus here is that the lamp has a life of 15,000 hours compared to 6,000 for the EH200ST. They have similar speakers and connectivity choices (HDMI x 2), so really the decision comes down to: is the extra money worth the added boost in functionality and quality?

Pro's
  • Automatic power-off when idle
  • MHL link to mobile devices
  • Projection image of 152 inches thrown from 5.5 ft
  • Keystone correction
Con's
  • Speaker could be stronger
  • No printed instructions included
  • No manual focus adjustment

BenQ TK700STi Golf Simulator Projector
This golf simulator projector is a no-holds-barred 4K gaming projector that’s perfect for indoor golf simulation, but be aware from the start that even though this machine is billed as “short-throw,” it’s not as short-throw as some. You need to set this back between 6-8 feet for optimal image quality, meaning it’s not the best pick for tight quarters. A ceiling mount is probably the ideal installation for a simulator setup.

Having said that, for the money, this projector packs a potent punch, starting with its native 4K resolution. The colors come through bright and clear, fueled by a lamp of 3000 lumens and a contrast of 12,000:1. Because it’s a gaming projector, it has dedicated game modes and so there won’t be any annoying motion blurs to glitch your game.

Pro's
  • Input lags of 4ms @ 240Hz
  • Corner-fit correction
  • True 4K resolution
  • 1.2x zoom
  • Easy to install and adjust
Con's
  • Weak built-in speaker
  • Streaming connectivity will take up an HDMI port

Optoma UHD35 Golf Simulator Projector
Another true 4K projector that will bring your golf simulator to life. But the lamp rates at 3600 lumens, making it a bit brighter than the BenQ TK700STi. Another big improvement is in the color contrast, with the Optoma UHD35 popping a 100000:1 contrast ratio. The Dynamic Black technology performs something like a visual miracle by rendering details in dark images and keeping bright scenes realistic.

It’s also super fast, with a 4ms lag at 240 Hz. 

Pro's
  • Outstanding lamp brightness
  • Light and compact
  • Extremely fast for any gaming
Con's
  • Not easy to set-up
  • No wireless connectivity

BenQ MW632ST Golf Simulator Projector
Another true 4K projector that will bring your golf simulator to life. But the lamp rates at 3600 lumens, making it a bit brighter than the BenQ TK700STi. Another big improvement is in the color contrast, with the Optoma UHD35 popping a 100000:1 contrast ratio. The Dynamic Black technology performs something like a visual miracle by rendering details in dark images and keeping bright scenes realistic.

It’s also super fast, with a 4ms lag at 240 Hz. 

Pro's
  • Outstanding lamp brightness
  • Light and compact
  • Extremely fast for any gaming
Con's
  • Not easy to set-up
  • No wireless connectivity

GOLF SIMULATOR PROJECTOR BUYER’S GUIDE

Here is a short list of terms you should be familiar with before embarking on the journey toward purchasing a golf simulator projector. The terminology can seem overwhelming, so a refresher could be helpful so that you can make the best decision.

Throw ratio. This ratio will help you determine which projector to buy depending on the space you plan to install it. Each projector’s specs will list a throw ratio, where the distance from the tip of the lens to the screen is weighed against the width of the screen. 

Short-throw projectors can be placed closer to the screen, while long-throw projectors must sit farther back. Short-throw is better for tight spaces, while long-throw is more geared toward larger hitting-areas.

Lumens. The metric to determine the brightness of a projector. The higher the lumens measurement, the brighter the projector. Usually price corresponds positively with lumens.

Contrast ratio. This ratio evaluates image quality by measuring the difference between the brightest color and the darkest color a projector produces. The numbers can range between the thousands and the millions. The larger the contrast, the better the quality of the image. The higher-end projectors will sit at 3 million and above.

Resolution. Digital images are measured in pixels, and for most golf simulator projectors, the resolution will be listed as either 1080p or 4K. Both will provide you with excellent quality, but while an image in 1080p will have roughly 2 million pixels, 4K will be over 8 million. The more pixels, the more detail rendered. But 1080p is plenty of pixelation for most golf simulators.

Aspect ratio. This ratio is based on the relationship between a screen’s width and height, so an aspect ratio of 16:9 means that the width is 16 inches while the height is 9 inches. Just be sure your projector aspect ratio matches that of your screen and golf simulator software if you want the true-to-life picture on your Top Ten Golf Simulator Projectors

Accessories. You may want to check out the availability of accessories required for your golf projector such as mounts, enclosures, and speakers.

Lastly, you should pay attention to the installation and projector care requirements. You need to be sure you'll be able to accommodate the requirements for the golf simulator projector placement and installation methods in order to make your setup work for you. If you need a floor mounted projector, buying a ceiling mounted model will not work for you.

Aspect Ratio, Throw Distance and Projection Size

The tables below will give you an approximate projection size for a given aspect ratio and throw distance. These may vary depending on the brand and the lens on the projector. Use it simply as a starting point / general guide versus a precise design measurement.

For a 4:3 Aspect Ratio
Distance to Screen (ft) Height (in) Width (in)
3 27 36
4 36 48
5 45 60
6 54 72
7 63 84
8 72 96
9 81 108
10 90 120
11 99 132
12 108 144
For a 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Distance to Screen (ft) Height (in) Width (in)
3 20.25 36
4 27 48
5 33.75 60
6 40.5 72
7 47.25 84
8 54 96
9 60.75 108
10 67.5 120
11 74.25 132
12 81 144

Golf Simulator Projector FAQ

What is a golf simulator projector?

Golf simulator projectors are specialized projectors that are designed to work with golf simulator software to create a realistic golfing experience. These projectors typically have high resolution and a wide color gamut to accurately reproduce the greens and fairways of a golf course, as well as the flight of the golf ball. They may also have features such as automatic keystone correction and lens shift to help project the image onto the screen or hitting mat accurately.

How many lumens do I need for a golf simulator projector?

The brightness of the projector will depend on the size of your hitting mat and the ambient light in your room. In most cases, you want around 1,500 lumens for a minimally acceptable picture. That said, for a high-quality picture or in space that has some ambient lighting, buy a projector with 2,200 to 2,500 lumens. With a lot of light coming in, you may need even more than 2,500 lumens.

Do I need 4K projector for golf simulator?

No, you do not need 4K projector for golf simulator. A 1080p projector is sufficient for most golf simulator setups. This resolution will give you a clear image that is large enough to use for your golf simulator without sacrificing image quality. However, if you have a particularly large setup or want the very best image quality, you may want to consider a 4K projector.

What is the best aspect ratio for a golf simulator projector?

The best aspect ratio for a golf simulator projector is 16:9. This is the standard aspect ratio for HDTVs and most computers, so it will give you the largest image possible.

What is the best throw distance for a golf simulator projector?

The best throw distance for a golf simulator projector is around 10 feet. This will give you a large image that is bright and has good color accuracy. See our best practices on mounting a projector for more information.

How far should projector be from golf simulator screen?

The optimal distance will vary depending on the size of your hitting mat and the type of projector you are using. Generally, you will want to project the image onto the hitting mat from 8-10 feet away. This will give you a good sized image to work with without sacrificing image quality.

Where can I get a projector for my golf simulator?

You can find a projector for your golf simulator at any electronics store. We recommend Carl's Place and Shop Indoor Golf as they specialize in projectors for golf simulators. Going through a specialist like one of these stores means they are familiar with the projector capabilities required for golf simulators and are only offering those suited for your needs.

How do I change my projector bulb?


Take Your Golf Game To The Next Level

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