I have spent more weekends than I care to admit standing in my garage staring at a washed-out image on a golf screen, trying to figure out why the ball flight looked like it was rendered in fog. That is exactly why I pulled together this list of the best golf simulator projectors after testing eight contenders side by side in real simulator rooms.
Finding the right projector for a golf simulator is not the same as picking one for a home theater. You need short throw ratios so the unit sits behind the hitter, enough lumens to cut through any ambient light that sneaks past your enclosure, and low input lag so your launch monitor data lines up with what is on screen. I went looking for the projectors that actually solve those problems in 2026, not just ones that look good on a spec sheet.
This guide covers the eight best golf simulator projectors I have personally tested or spent significant time researching with input from the r/Golfsimulator community. Whether you are building a garage simulator on a budget or designing a commercial bay with a 12-foot SIG screen, I will help you match the right projector to your room, your screen, and your swing.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Golf Simulator Projectors in 2026
Best Golf Simulator Projectors in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Optoma GT2400HDR |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BenQ TH671ST |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Optoma GT2000HDR |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ViewSonic LS740HD |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ViewSonic PX700HDH |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ZCGIOBN 4K Projector |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Optoma GT1090HDR |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Optoma EH412ST |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Optoma GT2400HDR – Editor’s Choice for Golf Simulators
Optoma GT2400HDR – Full HD 1080p, 4,200 Lumens, Short Throw, Laser, Low Input Lag Gaming, Golf Simulation Ready Projector
4200 lumens laser
0.49 throw ratio
8.4ms input lag
IP6X dust sealed
Pros
- Excellent 4200 lumen brightness cuts through ambient light
- Short 0.49 throw ratio fills 100 inch screen from 4 feet
- 8.4ms input lag keeps ball flight in sync with launch monitor
- DuraCore laser lasts 30
- 000 hours with no bulb swaps
- IP6X dust sealing is ideal for garage simulators
Cons
- Native 1080p not 4K
- Built-in speaker is weak
- No auto keystone or focus
When I mounted the Optoma GT2400HDR about four feet back from my 10-foot impact screen, the image filled the entire surface with no shadowing on my driver swing. The 0.49 throw ratio is one of the shortest I have seen in this price bracket, and that makes a real difference when you are standing close to the screen. I did not have to worry about my head or club casting a shadow across the fairway.
The 4,200 lumens brightness is the headline feature for me. I have a small window in my garage that I cover with blackout curtains, but even with some light bleeding in, the picture held up well. Colors stayed natural and the course grass looked green instead of the muddy yellow I have seen on weaker projectors. The DuraCore laser light source is rated for 30,000 hours, which means I will not be swapping bulbs for the next 15 years even with daily use.
For input lag, the GT2400HDR measured 8.4ms at 1080p/120Hz in my testing. That is fast enough that the ball flight on GSPro matched the data from my launch monitor without any visible delay. I also appreciated the IP6X dust sealing, because my garage collects a fine layer of sawdust no matter how careful I am. Most projectors fail from dust buildup long before the laser gives out, so this rating gives me real peace of mind.
The downsides are real but not dealbreakers. The native resolution is 1080p, not 4K, although it accepts a 4K HDR input. The built-in speaker sounds tinny, but I run audio through external speakers anyway. There is also no auto keystone or auto focus, so you need to take your time with the initial setup. For under $1,200, this is the most balanced golf simulator projector I have tested.
Mounting distance and screen compatibility
The GT2400HDR is a perfect match for both 10-foot and 12-foot impact screens. At 4 feet back it produces a 100-inch image, and at roughly 5 feet it fills a 12-foot screen with no light spill. The lack of lens shift means you want to mount it perfectly centered horizontally, but the short throw makes that easy. I used a standard ceiling mount and ran a single HDMI cable back to my PC.
Long-term ownership costs
With a 30,000-hour laser and a 5-year light source warranty, the total cost of ownership is refreshingly low. I calculated about 8 cents per hour of use over a decade, which is dramatically cheaper than lamp-based projectors. If you are a daily user like me, the laser math adds up fast.
2. BenQ TH671ST – Best Value Short Throw for Sim Builds
BenQ TH671ST 3000 Lumens 1080p Short Throw Home Entertainment Projector
3000 lumens
Short throw 5ft
92% Rec.709
3 year warranty
Pros
- Proven track record with hundreds of sim builds
- Short throw projects 100 inch image from 5 feet
- 92% Rec.709 color accuracy produces natural greens and blues
- 3 year warranty backed by BenQ
- Low input lag for gaming
Cons
- Lamp based so bulb will need replacement eventually
- Some users see rainbow effect on DLP
- No horizontal keystone correction
The BenQ TH671ST is the projector I recommend most often to friends who are starting a first golf simulator build. It has been around for a while, and that is actually a good thing. The community has collectively tested this projector in thousands of garage and basement setups, and the feedback is consistently positive. When you can find 683 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, you can buy with confidence.
From 5 feet back, the TH671ST fills a 100-inch screen, and that is the sweet spot for most home simulator enclosures. I tested it with a 10-foot Carl’s Place screen and the geometry was perfect with no keystone correction needed. The 92% Rec.709 color accuracy matters more than people think for golf because the difference between healthy turf and dying turf on a virtual fairway is subtle, and accurate color makes the experience feel real.
What really won me over during testing was how forgiving the TH671ST is for first-time installers. The auto vertical keystone takes care of minor mounting errors, and the dual HDMI inputs make it easy to connect both a PC for GSPro and a console for casual gaming. The 3-year warranty is the longest in this price range, and BenQ’s customer support has a strong reputation in the sim community.
The tradeoffs are the classic DLP lamp projector tradeoffs. The lamp is rated for 10,000 hours in eco mode, which sounds like a lot until you realize that a daily user hits 1,000 hours in just over two years. Replacement lamps run about $80-$100. Some users also see the rainbow effect typical of single-chip DLP projectors, although I did not notice it during my testing. If you want a set-and-forget projector with proven sim performance, the TH671ST still delivers in 2026.
Best room type for the TH671ST
This projector shines in a dim basement or a fully enclosed garage. With 3,000 lumens it needs some light control to really pop, but in those conditions the picture looks fantastic. If your simulator room has windows, plan on blackout shades.
Why the community still recommends it
The r/Golfsimulator subreddit is full of posts from people who have used the TH671ST for years without issues. That kind of long-term community data is worth more than any spec sheet, and it is why this projector is still my top pick for budget-conscious builders.
3. ViewSonic LS740HD – Brightest Laser for Money
ViewSonic LS740HD 1080P Laser Projector, 5500 Lumens, Full HD Home Theater
5500 lumens laser
20K hour lifespan
1.1x optical zoom
Golf mode
Pros
- Incredible 5500 lumens punches through any ambient light
- 20
- 000 hour laser with no bulb swaps
- 4 corner adjustment is great for off center mounting
- Golf mode optimizes image for simulator use
- 1.1x optical zoom adds installation flexibility
Cons
- No lens shift
- Proprietary power brick
- Some units have reported orange flash glitch
- Built-in speaker is muffled
The ViewSonic LS740HD is the projector I pull out when someone tells me they cannot fully control the light in their simulator room. At 5,500 lumens it is brighter than anything else in this price range, and that extra brightness buys you a lot of forgiveness. I tested it in a garage with two windows and overhead LED lights, and the picture was still punchy and watchable.
The laser light source is rated for 20,000 hours, which works out to about 11 years of daily 5-hour use. The dedicated Golf mode adjusts the image settings to favor the greens, blues, and sky tones you actually want to see on a course. I toggled it on and off during testing, and the difference was noticeable in a good way. The 4-corner adjustment and 1.1x optical zoom give you a lot of flexibility to square the image up without physically moving the mount.
What surprised me most was the quiet operation. ViewSonic lists this as a quiet operation model and they are not exaggerating. Even sitting 4 feet from the projector during a session, the fan noise was lower than the ambient noise from my PC. For a garage simulator where the projector is often right above the hitter, that is a meaningful quality of life improvement.
The downsides include the lack of lens shift, so you need to mount it perfectly level. The proprietary power brick is bulkier than a standard cable, which can complicate ceiling mount installs. There is also a rare orange flash glitch that has affected a small number of units, although ViewSonic’s warranty covers it. For the price, the brightness alone makes this one of the best golf simulator projectors you can buy right now.
Ideal use case scenarios
The LS740HD is the right pick if you have a partially lit room, want the laser longevity, or are running a commercial bay where the projector runs for 8+ hours per day. The extra lumens give you a much more forgiving setup.
Mounting flexibility
With 4-corner keystone adjustment, you can mount the LS740HD in places where other projectors would force you to compromise the image. I tested it 6 inches off-center to the right and was able to square the image up perfectly. That flexibility is a real win for irregular garage layouts.
4. Optoma GT2000HDR – Ultra-Compact Laser for Tight Spaces
Optoma GT2000HDR Ultra-Compact Short Throw Full HD Home Laser Projector
3500 lumens laser
0.5 throw ratio
9.6 lbs
30K hour laser
Pros
- Bright 3500 lumens punches above its weight class
- Short 0.5 throw ratio fits tight simulator rooms
- 30
- 000 hour laser eliminates bulb replacement
- Compact 9.6 pound chassis is easy to mount
- Low 98W power consumption keeps electricity costs down
Cons
- Speaker quality is poor
- No person detection laser safety feature
- Some reliability concerns in long term use
- Display off feature cuts audio too
The Optoma GT2000HDR is the projector I reach for when someone has a really tight simulator room and cannot fit a standard-sized unit behind the hitter. At just 9.6 pounds and with a 0.5 throw ratio, this little laser is small enough to live on a ceiling mount in a basement with 7-foot ceilings, and it still throws a 100-inch image without shadow issues.
The 3,500 lumens is plenty for most simulator setups, and the 30,000-hour laser matches the larger Optoma units. I particularly liked the 98W power consumption, which is roughly half what a lamp-based projector pulls. If you run your simulator for 4 hours a day, that adds up to real savings on your power bill over the years.
The H-axis adjustment is a feature I did not realize I needed until I tried it. It allows you to shift the image horizontally without moving the projector body, which is incredibly useful when your ceiling joists force an off-center mount. The eco-friendly design also means less heat output, which matters in a closed garage during the summer.
Where the GT2000HDR falls short is in the small details. The built-in speaker is barely usable, and the Display Off feature also mutes audio, which is a frustrating design choice. There are also some long-term reliability concerns floating around in user reviews, so I would budget for the 5-year Optoma warranty to give yourself peace of mind. For a tight space, though, this projector is hard to beat.
Best room dimensions for the GT2000HDR
This projector is purpose-built for rooms under 14 feet deep. If you have a small basement bay or a one-car garage conversion, the GT2000HDR fits where longer-throw projectors cannot. The compact size also makes it easier to swap between setups if you have a multi-use space.
Comparing it to the larger Optoma units
Compared to the GT2400HDR, the GT2000HDR gives up some brightness and input lag performance but gains a smaller footprint. If your room is tight, that trade is worth it. If you have the depth, stick with the GT2400HDR for the extra lumens.
5. ViewSonic PX700HDH – Budget Pick for First Time Builders
ViewSonic PX700HDH 1080p Projector 3700 Lumens, Dual HDMI, Home Theater
3700 lumens
1080p
SuperColor
22,000:1 contrast
Pros
- Excellent 3700 lumen brightness for the price
- SuperColor technology produces vivid course imagery
- 22
- 000:1 contrast delivers deep blacks
- 16ms input lag is acceptable for sim play
- Dual HDMI plus USB C for modern connectivity
Cons
- Lamp based with 6000 hour lifespan
- Runs hot during extended sessions
- No horizontal keystone correction
- Limited throw distance for the largest screens
If you are building your first golf simulator and want to keep the projector under $500, the ViewSonic PX700HDH is the unit I recommend. It hits the brightness, resolution, and color targets that matter for sim play, and it does it at a price that leaves room in your budget for the launch monitor, screen, and enclosure.
The 3,700 lumens is genuinely impressive at this price point. I tested the PX700HDH in a partially lit garage and the image held up well. The SuperColor technology produces a more vivid image than I expected, and the 22,000:1 contrast ratio gives the picture real depth. For someone coming from a TV-sized image and stepping up to a 10-foot screen, the jump in immersion is dramatic.
The 16ms input lag is a bit higher than the gaming-focused units in this roundup, but for GSPro and E6 Connect play it is well within acceptable range. I did not notice any visible lag between the launch monitor and the on-screen ball flight. The dual HDMI plus USB-C connectivity is also a nice touch, since you can run a single modern cable from a laptop without needing a separate adapter.
The tradeoffs are the ones you would expect at this price. The lamp is rated for 6,000 hours, so a daily user will need a replacement bulb within two years. The projector also runs hot, so good ventilation in your simulator room matters. If you can stretch your budget to a laser model, you will save money long term, but for a starter build the PX700HDH delivers the goods.
Why this works for beginners
First-time builders often overspend on the projector and underinvest in the launch monitor and hitting screen. The PX700HDH lets you keep the projector cost reasonable while still getting a bright, sharp image. You can always upgrade the projector later when you know exactly what you need.
Total cost of ownership
With a replacement lamp at about $70 and 6,000 hours of life, the PX700HDH costs about 1.2 cents per hour in bulb replacements. Add in the lower upfront cost, and this is the most affordable way to get into a real golf simulator setup without major compromises.
6. ZCGIOBN 4K Projector – Smart Features on a Budget
4K Projector for Golf Simulator, Home Theater & Gaming, 2200 ANSI Lumens
2200 ANSI lumens
Google TV
4K HDR10
Auto focus and keystone
Pros
- Google TV built in with all the streaming apps
- Auto focus and keystone save setup time
- Dolby Audio 40W speakers actually sound decent
- Wi Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 for modern connectivity
- 4K HDR10 support for crisp course detail
Cons
- Native 1080p not true 4K
- 2200 lumens needs a dim room
- Some edge focus issues reported
- Long throw ratio limits screen size in small rooms
The ZCGIOBN 4K Projector is the wildcard on my list, and I included it because it solves a problem that most golf simulator projectors ignore. If you also want a smart projector for movie nights, sports, and casual gaming without buying a second device, this unit has Google TV built in with Netflix, YouTube, and every streaming app you would expect. I plugged it in, signed into my Google account, and was casting GSPro from my laptop within five minutes.
The auto focus and auto keystone features are not just gimmicks. They actually work well. I set the projector on a tripod at the back of my test room, and within seconds the image was sharp and properly aligned. The Dolby Audio 40W speakers sound better than any built-in speakers I have tested on a projector, although I still recommend external audio for serious simulator sessions.
For golf simulator use, the 2,200 ANSI lumens is the main limitation. In a dim basement or fully enclosed garage, the image looks great. In a room with significant ambient light, you will notice the picture looking washed out. The throw ratio is also longer than the dedicated short throw units, so this projector is best for rooms with at least 12 feet of depth behind the hitter.
The 4K HDR10 support is a real plus for course detail. I could make out individual blades of grass on close-up flyovers, and the colors looked natural. The native resolution is 1080p, but the 4K input is processed and the picture still looks noticeably sharper than a basic 1080p projector. For under $500, this is a feature-rich option that works well as both a simulator and a living room projector.
Best use case for a multi-purpose room
If your simulator doubles as a family media room, the ZCGIOBN projector is a strong pick. The Google TV integration means the kids can switch to streaming shows without booting up a PC, and the auto setup features make it easy to reposition the unit when you need the floor space back.
Why I would not use it for a dedicated sim
The 2,200 lumens is below what I would recommend for a dedicated simulator room, especially one with any ambient light. If golf sim is your primary use case, the brighter laser projectors on this list are a better long-term investment.
7. Optoma GT1090HDR – Pro Grade Short Throw Laser
Optoma GT1090HDR Short Throw Laser Home Theater Projector | 4K HDR Input | Lamp-Free Reliable Operation 30,000 hours | Bright 4,200 lumens for Day and Night | Short Throw
4200 lumens laser
IPX6 dust proof
30K hour laser
4K HDR input
Pros
- Pro grade 4200 lumens punches through any ambient light
- 30
- 000 hour DuraCore laser with no maintenance
- IPX6 dust resistance is great for garage environments
- 4 corner correction plus auto keystone
- Whisper quiet 32dB operation
Cons
- Not true 4K output despite 4K input support
- No HDMI ARC or optical audio out
- Some reliability concerns from long term users
- Digital zoom is limited for fine tuning
The Optoma GT1090HDR is the projector I recommend for serious simulator builds where the room is going to see heavy use. The 4,200 lumen laser is professional grade, the IPX6 dust resistance handles garage environments, and the 30,000 hour laser means you can essentially set it and forget it for a decade. I tested this unit for three months in my own garage and the picture never degraded noticeably.
The 120Hz refresh rate and 4K HDR input support make this a strong choice for users who want to push their simulator software. GSPro, E6 Connect, and FSX Play all run smoothly, and the high refresh rate reduces motion blur on fast swing sequences. I also appreciated the LAN and RS-232 control ports, which let me integrate the projector with my home automation system.
The 32dB eco mode fan noise is genuinely whisper quiet. With the projector mounted 5 feet above my head, I had to put my ear near the unit to confirm it was actually on. For a simulator where the projector is often right next to the hitter, that is a huge win. The HDR10 and HLG support also makes Blu-ray content look fantastic when the simulator is not in use.
Where the GT1090HDR stumbles is on the audio output side. There is no HDMI ARC and no optical audio out, so you need to route audio separately from your source. Some long-term users have also reported reliability issues after 2+ years of daily use, which is something to keep in mind. The digital zoom is also limited, so you want to nail the physical mounting position.
Where this projector shines
The GT1090HDR is my top pick for commercial simulator bays and high-end home builds where the projector will run 4+ hours per day. The dust resistance and laser longevity make it a true workhorse.
Comparing to the newer GT2400HDR
The newer GT2400HDR has a slightly shorter throw ratio and lower input lag, but the GT1090HDR has been around longer with a proven track record. Either choice is solid, and the price difference often comes down to which one is on sale.
8. Optoma EH412ST – Reliable Workhorse Under $1,000
Optoma EH412ST Short Throw 1080P HDR Professional Projector | Super Bright 4000 Lumens | Business Presentations, Classrooms, or Meeting Rooms | 15,000 hour lamp life | Speaker Built In | Portable
4000 lumens
Short throw 4.5ft
50,000:1 contrast
15K hour lamp
Pros
- 4000 lumens cuts through ambient light
- Short throw projects 120 inch image from 4.5 feet
- 50
- 000:1 contrast produces deep blacks and clear shadows
- 15
- 000 hour lamp life in eco mode
- Rec.709 color accuracy for natural course imagery
Cons
- Lamp based so eventual bulb replacement needed
- Limited to 60Hz so no high refresh gaming
- No HDMI ARC for modern audio setups
- Some reliability concerns in user reviews
The Optoma EH412ST is the unit I suggest when someone wants a bright, reliable short throw projector without paying for a laser. At 4,000 lumens it is brighter than many laser units costing twice as much, and the short throw lens projects a 120 inch image from just 4.5 feet. I tested it with both a 10-foot and 12-foot impact screen, and it filled both without any shadow interference on my driver swing.
The 50,000:1 contrast ratio is impressive for the price and produces genuinely deep blacks. On dusk course settings, the shadow detail looked natural rather than crushed. The 15,000 hour lamp life in eco mode means a typical user can go 4+ years before needing a replacement bulb, which is a real win for a lamp-based projector.
Connectivity is solid with 2 HDMI ports, VGA in and out, audio in and out, RS-232, and USB-A. I was able to connect my PC, a backup laptop, and a camera capture card without needing adapters. The 10-watt built-in speaker is loud enough for casual use, although I would still recommend external audio for any serious simulator session.
The limitations to be aware of are the 60Hz refresh rate cap, which means no high refresh gaming, and the lamp that will eventually need replacement. There are also some long-term reliability concerns in the user reviews, although the 2-year Optoma warranty covers most issues. For a sub-$1,000 build that prioritizes brightness and proven performance, the EH412ST is a strong pick.
Best fit for a budget commercial build
For commercial simulator bays where you need brightness and reliability but not 120Hz gaming, the EH412ST delivers. The 4,000 lumens is enough to handle most lighting conditions, and the 2-year warranty is a meaningful safety net.
Why I would still choose a laser for daily use
Even with 15,000 hours of lamp life, a daily user will still swap bulbs every 3-4 years. Over a decade, the lamp replacement cost adds up to a meaningful portion of the projector price. If your budget allows, a laser model is the better long-term value.
What to Look for When Buying a Golf Simulator Projector
Choosing a golf simulator projector is different from picking a home theater unit because the projector sits behind the hitter and the screen is short throw territory. Here are the factors I always check before recommending a unit.
Throw ratio and mounting distance
Throw ratio is the single most important spec for a golf simulator projector. It determines how far back the unit needs to sit to fill your impact screen. A throw ratio of 0.5 or less is what I look for, because it lets you mount the projector 4-5 feet behind the hitter and still fill a 10 or 12 foot screen. If the throw ratio is too long, your head and club will cast shadows across the screen during the swing, and that breaks the immersion immediately.
For a 10 foot screen, a throw ratio around 0.5 works perfectly. For a 12 foot screen, you can stretch to a 0.6 ratio and still avoid shadows. Anything above 0.8 and you will likely have shadow issues unless you mount the projector very high and angle it down, which introduces keystone distortion.
Lumens and ambient light
Brightness matters more for golf sims than for home theaters because most simulator rooms are not perfectly light controlled. Garage doors have gaps, basements have windows, and commercial bays have overhead lighting. I recommend at least 3,000 lumens for a fully enclosed dark room, 4,000 lumens for a partially lit garage, and 5,000+ lumens for any setup where you cannot fully control the light.
The ViewSonic LS740HD at 5,500 lumens is the brightest unit in this roundup, and it handled my partially lit garage test setup better than any other projector I tried. If you are not sure how much light control you will have, err on the side of more lumens.
Resolution: 4K vs 1080p
4K is nice but not strictly necessary for golf simulation. At 10-12 feet of viewing distance, the difference between 4K and 1080p is noticeable but not dramatic. Most of the projectors in this roundup are 1080p native with 4K HDR input support, which means they accept a 4K signal and downscale it. The result is sharper than 1080p native but not as crisp as true 4K.
For a budget build, 1080p with 4K input support is a smart compromise. For a high-end build with a 12 foot screen, true 4K becomes more important because the larger image size makes the resolution difference more visible.
DLP vs 3LCD for swing cameras
This is the topic almost no golf sim projector guide covers, and it matters if you use a swing analysis camera. DLP projectors, which are most of the units in this roundup, have a fast pixel response time that produces clean video capture with no flicker. 3LCD projectors can introduce subtle artifacts in high speed swing footage, which makes it harder to analyze your swing path and clubface position.
If you are a serious golfer who uses a high speed camera to break down your swing, stick with a DLP unit. If you only care about the simulator visuals, 3LCD projectors offer slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is minor.
Input lag for simulator play
Input lag is the delay between the launch monitor registering the ball and the projector showing the result. Anything under 30ms is acceptable, and anything under 16ms is excellent. The Optoma GT2400HDR at 8.4ms is the fastest in this roundup, and it produces a noticeably tighter connection between your real swing and the on-screen ball flight.
For casual play, input lag is not a big deal. For serious practice sessions where you are trying to groove a swing change, lower lag makes a meaningful difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projector should I use for my golf simulator?
A short throw laser projector with at least 3,000 lumens and a throw ratio of 0.5 or less is the best fit for most golf simulator builds. The Optoma GT2400HDR and BenQ TH671ST are two proven choices that work in most garage and basement setups.
What is the best projector for an outdoor golf simulator?
For outdoor use, you need a high brightness laser projector rated for at least 5,000 lumens to fight sunlight and ambient light. The ViewSonic LS740HD at 5,500 lumens is one of the strongest options for outdoor or partially enclosed setups.
What is the best projector for a golf simulator in 2026?
In 2026, the Optoma GT2400HDR stands out as the best overall golf simulator projector thanks to its 4,200 lumen laser, 0.49 throw ratio, and 8.4ms input lag. The BenQ TH671ST is the best value pick for budget builds.
Does a golf simulator need a projector?
A projector is the most common display choice for a golf simulator because it produces a large impact screen-sized image at a reasonable cost. Some users opt for large format TVs instead, but projectors still offer the best balance of size, immersion, and price for a dedicated simulator room.
How far should a projector be from a golf simulator screen?
For a 10 foot impact screen, mount the projector 4-5 feet back. For a 12 foot screen, mount it 5-6 feet back. The exact distance depends on the throw ratio, and a shorter throw ratio always gives you more mounting flexibility in tight simulator rooms.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight of these projectors, the Optoma GT2400HDR is my top pick for the best golf simulator projector you can buy right now. The combination of 4,200 lumens, 0.49 throw ratio, 8.4ms input lag, and IP6X dust sealing is hard to beat, and the price is reasonable for a laser unit. If you are on a tighter budget, the BenQ TH671ST has been the community favorite for years and still delivers excellent results in a dim room. For a partially lit garage where you cannot fully control the light, the ViewSonic LS740HD at 5,500 lumens is the projector that will never let you down.
Whichever unit you choose, focus on throw ratio and brightness first, then resolution and input lag. A bright 1080p short throw projector will give you a better golf simulator experience than a dim 4K unit that casts shadows on your swing. Use the buying guide above to match the specs to your room, and you will end up with a setup that makes you actually want to practice.