Your Easy Guide to Choosing a Golf Simulator Projector

There’s nothing like stepping into your golf simulator, gripping a club, and staring down a full-sized fairway lit up across your screen. It’s the moment your setup stops feeling like practice and starts feeling like real golf.

And while a projector isn’t a necessity in a golf simulator setup—you could use a TV or a tablet or even your phone—nothing compares to the immersive experience of stepping into your own indoor golf theater. When it’s done right, it’s not just a sim session, it’s an escape.

But here’s the thing: Choosing the right projector for your golf simulator might just be the most confusing and frustrating part of the entire build.

It’s the piece that trips up the most people. It’s where mismatched screen sizes, the wrong aspect ratios, and poor lighting setups can lead to disappointing results. It’s also one of the easiest places to overspend, or buy the wrong tool entirely.

This guide will walk you through the key decisions that go into picking the right projector for your simulator studio. And at the end, we’ll help you choose from the three projector models that we offer at PlayBetter, each selected to fit a specific golfer’s needs and budget.

Let’s help you build the perfect visual setup to match your dream golf simulator experience.

Understand What Makes a Good Golf Simulator Projector

Before you look at any specs, the first thing to know is this: Not all projectors are made for golf.

What makes a projector a great choice for a golf simulator?

The Big Four Factors:

• Throw Ratio - This determines how far the projector needs to be from the screen to produce a large, usable image. For golf simulators, short throw projectors are typically the best fit.
• Aspect Ratio - The shape of the image (width to height). The most common ratios are 4:3 and 16:9. Your projector’s aspect ratio should ideally match your impact screen’s shape.
• Brightness (Lumens) - Brightness determines how well your image stands up to ambient light. The higher the lumens, the better for rooms that aren’t totally dark.
• Resolution - This impacts the clarity and detail of your projected image. 1080p (Full HD) is still standard, but 4K is becoming more common for those who want the crispest visuals.

Let’s unpack each of these a little more.

Throw Ratio and Throw Distance: Finding the Right Placement

Before you choose a projector or finalize your screen size, you need to figure out where your projector can go. And that’s where throw ratio and throw distance come into play.

What Is Throw Ratio?

Throw ratio is a number that tells you how wide the image will be based on how far the projector is from the screen.

It’s a fixed spec on every projector and calculated like this:

Throw Ratio = Throw Distance ÷ Screen Width

But most of the time, you’ll use this version of the equation:

Throw Distance = Throw Ratio x Screen Width

So, for example:

• If your projector’s throw ratio is 0.8, and
• Your screen is 10 feet wide,

Then your projector should be mounted 8 feet away from the screen (0.8 x 10 = 8).

What Is Throw Distance?

Throw distance is just the actual measurable space between your projector’s lens and the screen. This tells you where to mount the projector.

Make sure you’re measuring from the front of the projector lens, not the back of the unit.

Short throw projectors, typically with throw ratios between 0.4 and 1.0, are ideal for golf simulators. They let you:

• Create a large image from a short distance.
• Mount the projector behind or above the hitting area (safely out of the swing zone).
• Avoid shadows that would occur if the projector were behind the player at too low a height.

Knowing your throw distance lets you place the projector exactly where it needs to go to fill the screen.

One more twist: Aspect ratio affects throw distance. If your projector has a native aspect ratio of 16:9 but you’re projecting onto a 4:3 screen, you’ll be using fewer pixels vertically, which might change the required throw distance to achieve your desired screen width.

Consult your projector’s manual or use an online throw distance calculator to determine the optimal placement.

Aspect Ratio: Matching Your Screen and Projector Is Key

This is one of the most common places people get tripped up.

Every projector has a native aspect ratio. That’s the shape of the image it produces (typically 16:9 or 4:3). Your screen also has an aspect ratio.

If they don’t match, here’s what can happen:

• Letterboxing: Bars at the top and bottom of your screen (e.g. 16:9 image on a 4:3 screen)
• Image Overflow: The image spills off the screen if you try to fill it height-wise
• Distortion or Cropping: The image might look stretched, pinched, or partially cut off

All three projectors we sell at PlayBetter have a native aspect ratio of 16:9, which is perfect for widescreen golf enclosures. But many impact screens, especially in smaller rooms, are built in 4:3, or 1:1, or non-standard sizes.

If you’re starting from scratch, we recommend choosing a screen that matches your projector’s native 16:9 ratio (if possible) to avoid unnecessary configuration.

But if you already have a screen or need to use a size other than 16:9, don’t worry. We’ll show you how to make it work.

Image Fit: Getting a Pixel-Perfect Picture

If your projector and screen aspect ratios don’t match, you’ll need to adjust your image.

Here’s how to get it dialed in:

Step 1: Fill the screen height.

Start with your projector’s native resolution (e.g. 1920 x 1080 for 1080p). Move the projector forward or back until the height of the image perfectly fills your screen.

Step 2: Check the width.

If your screen has a different aspect ratio, the width may not fill the screen, or may spill over. That’s OK.

Step 3: Use a custom resolution to match your screen’s shape.

You’ll likely have the option to adjust your PC’s settings to create a custom resolution that allows for a clean, properly scaled image. Not every system supports custom resolutions, but many do—especially PCs with dedicated GPUs. Check your GPU’s control panel for custom resolution options.

Step 4: Fine-tune with keystone or warping if needed.

Some projectors let you digitally “nudge” the image into place using vertical or horizontal keystone correction or advanced warping tools. These can help you square off corners or compensate for off-center placement. But you should use this tool sparingly. Aggressive adjustments may reduce image clarity.

Brightness (Lumens): How Much Do You Need?

This depends on your room. Is it dark, or do you have a lot of ambient light?

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

• 1,500-2,000 lumens: Minimum for dark rooms
• 2,200-2,500 lumens: Ideal for most indoor setups
• 3,000-plus lumens: Best for bright spaces, garages, or multipurpose rooms

Higher brightness can also make up for a slightly lower resolution. For some golfers, a bright 1080p image looks better than a dim 4K one.

Resolution: 1080p vs 4K

If your budget allows and your computer can support it, go 4K.

4K projectors (3840 x 2160) provide more detail, better depth, and more realism, especially with high-end simulator software.

But there’s a catch:

• Not all golf impact screens can show off the full 4K detail
• Your computer must have a GPU that can handle 4K
• 4K projectors cost more, sometimes a lot more

That’s why many golfers stick with 1080p. It’s sharp, affordable, and for a lot of players, it’s more than enough. Especially if paired with higher lumens or better color fidelity.

Bonus Features Worth Considering

• Keystone Correction - Helps square the image if your projector isn’t centered.
• Lens Shift - Lets you move the image without tilting the projector.
• Zoom - Gives flexibility in distance without changing screen size.
• Light Source: Lamp vs LED vs Laser
• Lamp: Lower cost, but dims over time and requires bulb replacements
• LED: Longer-lasting, better color consistency
• Laser: Ultra bright, highly color-accurate, virtually maintenance-free (20,000-plus hours)
• Curved Screens: If your enclosure uses a curved screen, you’ll need a projector with warping functionality. These allow you to digitally adjust the shape of the image to match the curve, ensuring even coverage and clean edges.

Floor Mount or Ceiling Mount?

Ceiling Mount Pros:

• Keeps the projector out of the hitting zone and out of the way in general
• Clean look
• Reduces shadows (especially when mounted behind the hitting area)

Mounting Tip: The ideal ceiling position is directly above or 3 to 4 feet behind the golfer.

Floor Mount Pros:

• Easier to install in low-ceiling rooms
• Great for setups without viable ceiling structure

Warning: Floor mounts may require keystone correction and tilting, which can impact image clarity.

How to Choose the Best Projector for Your Golf Simulator

Alright, now that you’ve got the basics locked in—throw ratio, aspect ratio, brightness, resolution, light source, and mounting—it’s time to make a decision.

And here’s the good news: you don’t have to wade through dozens of options.

At PlayBetter, we’ve narrowed it down to three carefully selected projectors that we believe offer the best options for different budgets, setups, and preferences. One of these is the best golf simulator projector for your home.

Option 1: BenQ TH671ST

The Best Budget Golf Simulator Projector

If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss projector that performs extremely well for the price, the BenQ TH671ST is hard to beat.

• Native Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Note: Standard widescreen format. Great for simulator enclosures with 16:9 screens. If your screen is 4:3, 1:1, or non-standard, expect some masking bars unless adjusted in settings
• Resolution: Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Brightness: 3,000 lumens
• Light Source: Traditional lamp
• Throw Ratio: 0.69-0.83 (perfect for short throw setups)
• Color Accuracy: 92% Rec.709 for lifelike color
• Keystone Correction: Vertical only

Great for: Golfers on a budget, dark rooms, setups where 1080p is enough.

Option 2: BenQ TK710STi

The Best 4K Value Golf Simulator Projector

Want that next-level visual experience without going fully premium? The BenQ TK710STi is your best bet.

• Native Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Note: Perfect match for 16:9 setups. With 4K resolution, it’s best paired with a premium screen and sim software that supports high-res output.
• Resolution: True 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
• Brightness: 3,200 lumens
• Light Source: Laser
• Throw Ratio: 0.69-0.83
• Color Accuracy: 95% Rec.709
• Keystone Correction: 2D (+/- 30 degrees vertical and horizontal)
• Additional Features: Auto HDR optimization, 4K HDMI 2.0, 1.2x zoom

Great for: Golfers using 4K enabled sim software, multi-use spaces, garage builds.

Make sure your computer can run 4K before investing.

Option 3: LG ProBeam BU53RG

 

 

The Ultimate Simulator Projector

If you want the brightest, most flexible, most future-proof projector and you have the budget to match, the LG ProBeam BU53RG is in a league of its own.

• Native Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Note: This one also supports advanced image warping and lens shift, making it more flexible if you’re working with a non-standard screen or a curved screen.
• Resolution: 4K UHD (XPR technology, 8.3 million pixels)
• Brightness: 5,000 lumens
• Light Source: Laser
• Throw Ratio: 0.94-1.14 (slightly longer throw, ideal for big rooms or curved screens)
• Lens Shift: H +/- 20%, V +/- 50%
• Zoom: 1.2x
• Advanced Features: 25-point warping, image rotation, ultra-low maintenance

Great for: Golf studios with ambient light and curved screens and for users who want pro-level everything.

Slightly longer throw ratio may require a bit more space than the BenQ projector models.

Projector Glossary: Know Your Terms

• Throw Distance: The actual distance between the projector lens and the screen. This determines how large the projected image will be. Essential for calculating proper placement.
• Throw Ratio: The ratio of the distance from the projector to the screen (throw distance) divided by the width of the projected image. Formula: Throw Distance ÷ Screen Width
• Aspect Ratio: The shape of the image—the relationship between width and height (e.g. 16:9 widescreen or 4:3 square-ish). Your screen and projector should ideally match here.
• Lumens: A measure of brightness. The higher the lumens, the better your image will hold up in rooms with ambient light.
• Resolution: The number of pixels in the projected image. Higher resolution equals sharper image.
• Keystone Correction: A feature that adjusts image distortion caused by angled projection. Helps “square” the image if the projector isn’t perfectly aligned with the screen.
• Lens Shift: Physically moves the projected image vertically or horizontally without tilting the projector.
• Zoom: Allows you to increase or decrease image size without moving the projector.
• Warping: Advanced digital image shaping used to correct distortion on curved or non-standard screens.
• Native Resolution: The fixed number of pixels a projector is physically built to display. Content not matching the native resolution must be scaled, which can reduce sharpness.

Common Projector Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure you avoid these pitfalls:

• Buying a standard throw projector without enough space
• Ignoring screen size and aspect ratio
• Assuming all 4K projectors work well in bright rooms
• Mounting the projector too far behind the hitting zone (creates shadows)
• Forgetting to check GPU capabilities for 4K playback

You’re Ready to Choose Your Golf Simulator Projector

Choosing the right projector is one of the most important pieces in the golf simulator puzzle. It’s also one of the most complicated.

And while there is still plenty of information for you to sort through, digest, read and re-read, this guide should help you narrow your focus.

Take the time to get this step right. And consider it early in your process. A well-matched projector can turn your simulator from a simple setup into a fully immersive experience.

Whether you’re aiming for budget-friendly brilliance or full-blown 4K realism, PlayBetter has a projector tailored to your space, software, and vision.

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc "Shef" Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.