Choosing a projector
What’s the best projector for a Golf Simulator?
A great projector is what brings your golf simulator to life, turning your impact screen into a vibrant, immersive display of fairways, greens, and relaxing naturescapes. But choosing the right one isn’t just about brightness or resolution, it’s about finding the right fit for your virtual golf experience.
Whether you’re building a luxury backyard golf shed or upgrading an existing setup, here are the key factors to consider when selecting a projector for your golf simulator:
1. Throw Ratio: Can It Fill Your Screen from the Right Distance?
This is the most important projector spec in a virtual golf setup. The throw ratio tells you how close or far the projector needs to be from the screen to create an image large enough to fill it.
Throw Ratio = Distance from screen ÷ Image width
For example, if your projector has a 0.7:1 throw ratio and your impact screen is 10’ wide, the projector needs to be 7 feet from the sceen. A projector with a 1.0:1 ratio would need to be mounted 10 feet from the screen.
Short throw projectors (0.4:1–0.8:1) are ideal for golf simulators because they allow the projector to be mounted above or just behind the hitting area, keeping it out of your swing path and minimizing shadows.
Avoid standard or long throw projectors, as they require more distance and may not fit within the depth of your golf sim setup.
Pro tip: Know your screen size and distance from the projector mount before choosing your model. A misaligned throw ratio can ruin your image fit.
2. Brightness: Can You See It Clearly in Your Space?
Golf simulator setups often have ambient lighting or light bouncing off white walls and ceilings. That means you’ll want a projector that’s bright enough to punch through.
Look for at least 3,000–4,000 lumens for a crisp, visible image, especially if you’re using lighter-colored walls in your build.
Darker simulator enclosures (like black acoustic panels) will help, but brightness is still key.
3. Resolution: How Sharp Should It Be?
While you can use lower resolutions, a 1080p (Full HD) projector is generally the minimum recommended for golf simulators.
4K projectors offer sharper graphics and more immersive golf visuals, especially with newer simulator software like GSPro or E6 Connect.
Just remember: higher resolution usually means a higher price tag. Typically, the eye cant notice a difference between 1080P and 4K at about 9’ from the screen. The difference between HD and 4K is more dramatic on larger screens.
If your simulator has a large screen and will double as a home theater or gaming setup, the visual upgrade may be worth it.
4. Mounting and Keystone Correction: Will It Fit Your Setup?
You’ll likely be ceiling-mounting your projector behind or above the hitting mat.
Choose a model with:
Lens shift or keystone correction to fine-tune image position without distortion
Flexible mounting options help in spaces where ceiling joists or beams could interfere with placement, though that’s not an issue in a sim shack, which is designed from the ground up with a clear ceiling structure. Every sim shack model is also designed with concealed wiring for all your golf simulator components.
Bonus Consideration: Laser vs. Lamp Projectors
Laser projectors last longer, turn on instantly, and often offer better brightness, but they come at a higher price point.
Lamp-based projectors are more affordable, but bulbs may need replacing after a few thousand hours of use.
If you’re building a premium, low-maintenance sim, laser is a great investment.
Final Thoughts: Make the Right Projector Choice
Your projector doesn’t just display the golf course, it defines your experience. From how immersive your visuals feel to whether shadows interrupt your swing, choosing the right model is essential to getting the most out of your golf simulator.
Start by identifying your screen size, ceiling height, and hitting position, then match those specs with a short-throw, bright, low-lag projector designed for dynamic environments.
Let sim shacks handle it.
Choosing the right projector can be overwhelming. Rest assured that every sim shack purchase comes with the best projector for the space and professional installation and calibration.