Best Golf Simulator Projectors - Short Throw Projector Guide
We get asked all the time, "What is the best projector for Golf Simulators like SkyTrak or OptiShot ?" The projector you decide to go with is indeed a very important decision in creating your dream home golf simulator setup. The issue is, reading projector specification sheets can be extremely confusing for someone who has never used a projector before. In this guide, we will provide our top golf simulator projector recommendations and help point out key features to look for in your golf simulator projector.
Best Golf Simulator Projector
1. Optoma EH200ST
Optoma EH200ST Full 3D 1080p 3000 Lumen DLP Short Throw Projector with HDMI Port
At HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution, the Optoma EH200ST is our pick for Best Projector for Golf Simulators. With this projector, you get a bright 3000 lumens HD quality image that allows for a life-like golf simulator experience. With a 4:3 aspect ratio, this Optoma Projector fits perfectly with the SwingBay Golf Simulator Enclosure. The SwingBay screen is specifically sized to fit a 4:3 projection so the Optoma EH200ST projection perfectly matches this screen.
- 3000 Lumens for a bright image
- 0.49:1 Throw Ratio
- HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution
- HDMI Connectivity
Our customers have had success with this budget-friendly ViewSonic Golf Simulator Projector 
- 3200 Lumens for a bright image
- 0.6:1 Throw Ratio
- Native XGA 1024 x 768 resolution with 4:3 Aspect Ratio
- HDMI Connectivity
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BenQ Projectors are another popular choice for golf simulators. This BenQ Golf Simulator Projector has a bright display, high resolution for a crisp image, and short-throw feature perfect for a golf simulator.
- High lumens at 3200
- 0.9:1 throw ratio
- WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution with 16:10 Aspect Ratio
- HDMI Connectivity
Learn More About the BenQ MW632ST
Best Golf Simulator Projector Mounts
Floor Mount Enclosure
- The Floor Mount Enclosure fits most projectors.
- Easy and quick to assemble.
- Eliminates holes in the ceiling and wires overhead.
- Turf-Covered ramp protects your projector.
Ceiling Mount Enclosure
- Ceiling Mount is highly adjustable
- Quick and easy to assemble.
- Overhead mount keeps floor open and clear of wires.
- Universal Mount fits almost every projector.
Golf Simulator Projector Key Features
Lumens
Lumens determines the brightness of the image your projector displays. The brighter your room is, the more important it is to have a high lumens projector. As a general rule of thumb, you can get by in dark rooms with lumens above 2000+ but we typically recommend getting a projector above 3000+ for the best golf simulation experience.
Throw Ratio
Throw ratio refers to the distance the projector is from the screen versus how diagonally wide the screen is. If you do not want your shadow showing up on your hitting screen, you will need what is called a short throw or ultra-short throw projector which range anywhere between 0.3:1 to 1:1.
To find the optimal throw ratio, you will divide the distance from your projector to your screen by the diagonal width of your screen. As an example, if your screen is 10 feet wide (diagonally) and your projector is 5 feet away from the screen, your optimal throw ratio is 0.5:1 (5 feet / 10 feet).
Aspect Ratio and Resolution
Aspect ratio and resolution tend to go hand-in-hand. To put it simply, aspect ratio refers to the shape the image will take on the screen or the ratio between the width and height of the image. Resolution refers to the number of pixels inside the image. The more pixels, the higher the image quality.
Most commonly, you will see the following aspect ratios & resolutions:
- 4:3 (XGA & SXGA)
- Image will take more of a square shape
- Lowest resolution: 1024 x 768 resolution
- Lowest cost option
- 16:10 (WXGA & WUXGA)
- Image will be more rectangular
- Higher resolution: 1280 x 800 resolution
- Crisper picture but more expensive than XGA & SXGA
- 16:9 (standard HDTV, 1080p)
- Image will be more rectangular
- Highest resolution: 1920 x 1080p resolution
- If you want to turn your golf simulator into a home theater, we highly recommend opting for this resolution
Important note: We would recommend trying to match the resolution of your computer with the resolution of your projector. Your projector will never be able to project a higher resolution image than your computer is capable of!
- For example, if your computer has a resolution of 1024 x 768, and you have a higher resolution projector such as 1280 x 800, the projector will only project an image in 1024 x 768.
HDMI Connectivity
A final feature to make sure your projector has is the necessary HDMI Input. Almost all new projectors have this, but it is necessary to work with any of our golf simulators.
Want to take this guide with you? Download a PDF version of the Golf Simulator Projector Guide here.
The links to the ViewSonic PJD5353LS and the BenQ MW632ST are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made when clicking those links.