This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
The projector is what turns a launch monitor and a screen into a real simulator. Picking the right one comes down to a few numbers: throw ratio, brightness, resolution and aspect ratio. This is what each of those numbers means for a golf setup.
Throw ratio: the number that matters most
Throw ratio is the distance from the projector lens to the screen divided by the width of the image. A throw ratio of 0.5 means the projector makes a 10-foot-wide image from 5 feet away. A ratio of 1.0 needs 10 feet for the same image.
In a golf simulator, the projector usually has to sit above or near the hitting area, at a distance set by your room. That is why most simulator builders use short-throw projectors, which can make a big image from a short distance and are easier to keep out of the swing path.
To find your number: divide the distance from where the projector will mount to the screen by the width of your screen. The room planner does this math for you and shows the throw ratio range to shop for.
Brightness
Brighter projectors hold up better against room light. A dark basement can work with a moderately bright projector, while a garage or a room with windows needs more brightness. Blocking light near the screen helps more than any spec.
Resolution
1080p is plenty for most home simulators and keeps costs down. 4K looks sharper on large screens and is common in premium builds, but it needs a capable computer to run the simulator software at full detail.
BenQ TH671ST
Good for: budget simulator builds that need a short-throw 1080p projector. It’s a 3,000-lumen model that shows up in many home golf sim builds.
Run your room through the room planner first to confirm the throw ratio you need.
Aspect ratio: 16:9 or 4:3
Most projectors produce a 16:9 image, which is wide like a TV. Many simulator screens are 4:3, which is taller and boxier. A 4:3 screen shows more sky and ball flight, but to fill it with a 16:9 projector you either let the image spill past the sides or run the software in 4:3 mode and accept black bars on the projector, which wastes some of its resolution and brightness. Decide on the screen shape first, then pick a projector and software settings to match.
Mounting and safety
- Mount the projector out of the swing path, or inside a protective ceiling cage.
- Avoid heavy digital keystone correction, which softens the image. Aim the projector square to the screen where possible.
- Have an electrician add a ceiling outlet if you need one.
Start with the room planner to get your screen size and the throw ratio range for your room.
These are planning rules of thumb, not manufacturer specs. Always confirm the exact space requirements of the products you buy before you build or mount anything.