Choosing the Right Projector for Your Golf Simulator (UK Guide)

You have spent weeks choosing your launch monitor, comparing enclosures, and measuring your room. Then you get to the projector and suddenly everything is throw ratios, ANSI lumens, native resolution, input lag, and lens shift. It is one of the most confusing purchases in the entire simulator build, and it is the one that determines whether your simulator looks stunning or looks like a faded PowerPoint presentation projected onto a bedsheet.

The problem is that most projector advice online is written for home cinema enthusiasts or corporate meeting rooms. Golf simulators have a very different set of requirements, and a projector that earns five-star reviews for movie night may be completely wrong for your simulator. This guide is written specifically for UK golfers building a home simulator. Every recommendation uses GBP pricing, every room scenario assumes UK dimensions, and every specification is explained in plain English.

If you are still at the planning stage, start with our complete UK golf simulator buyer's guide. If you are working out whether your room is big enough, read our room size guide first. And if budget is your primary concern, our full cost breakdown puts the projector in context alongside every other component.

What Makes a Golf Simulator Projector Different

A golf simulator projector is not the same as a home cinema projector, even though they look identical sitting on a shelf. The differences come down to how and where the projector is used.

Short throw distance is essential. In a cinema setup, the projector sits at the back of a long room, several metres from the screen. In a golf simulator, the projector typically mounts on the ceiling between you and the screen, often just 1 to 2 metres away. A standard cinema projector at that distance would produce a tiny image. You need a short throw or ultra-short throw lens to fill a large screen from a short distance.

Brightness matters more than contrast. Home cinema projectors are optimised for dark rooms with blackout curtains. Simulator rooms, particularly UK garages and garden rooms, often have some ambient light from windows, doors, or overhead lighting. A projector rated at 2,000 lumens looks fantastic in a pitch-black room but washed out and dull in a garage with a window. For simulators, brightness (measured in lumens) is a higher priority than the contrast ratio that cinema reviews obsess over.

Input lag needs to be low, but not gaming-low. Input lag is the delay between your computer sending a frame and the projector displaying it. For competitive first-person shooter gaming, anything above 10 milliseconds is noticeable. For golf simulation, where you are watching a ball fly through the air rather than reacting to split-second movements, under 30 milliseconds is perfectly fine. Under 50 milliseconds is acceptable. This means you do not need to pay a premium for ultra-low-lag gaming projectors.

Resolution is less critical than you think. At a typical simulator viewing distance of 2 to 3 metres from the screen, the difference between 1080p and 4K is far less dramatic than it is when you are sat 3 metres from a 65-inch television. For most builds, 1080p is the sweet spot of image quality and value.

Throw Ratio Explained

Throw ratio is the single most important specification for a golf simulator projector, and it is the one that most people find confusing. Once you understand it, everything else falls into place.

The throw ratio tells you how far the projector needs to be from the screen to produce a given image width. It is expressed as a simple ratio. A projector with a throw ratio of 0.5:1 needs to be 0.5 metres away from the screen for every 1 metre of image width. A projector with a throw ratio of 1.5:1 needs to be 1.5 metres away for every 1 metre of image width.

Lower throw ratio = shorter distance required = better for tight UK rooms.

Standard Throw (1.5:1 and Above)

Standard throw projectors are designed for classrooms, conference rooms, and home cinemas where the projector sits several metres from the screen. For a typical simulator screen width of 3 metres (10 feet), a standard throw projector with a 1.5:1 ratio would need to be 4.5 metres from the screen.

In most UK simulator setups, the projector mounts on the ceiling behind the hitting position, roughly 2 to 3 metres from the screen. At that distance, a standard throw projector produces an image far too small for the screen. Standard throw projectors are generally not suitable for golf simulators unless you have an unusually deep room (6 metres or more) and can mount the projector well behind the hitting area.

Calculation example: 3m screen width x 1.5 throw ratio = 4.5m from screen. Most UK garages are only 5m deep total, leaving no room for the golfer.

Short Throw (0.4:1 to 1.0:1)

Short throw projectors are the standard choice for golf simulators. They produce a large image from a relatively short distance, typically 1 to 2 metres from the screen. This means the projector can mount on the ceiling above or just behind the hitting position without any issues.

Calculation example: 3m screen width x 0.69 throw ratio = 2.07m from screen. This fits comfortably in any UK garage or garden room with the projector mounted above and behind the golfer.

The BenQ TH671ST, one of the most popular simulator projectors, has a throw ratio of 0.69:1. At 2 metres from the screen, it produces an image approximately 2.9 metres wide. That fills a standard simulator screen perfectly.

Ultra-Short Throw (0.2:1 to 0.4:1)

Ultra-short throw (UST) projectors sit very close to the screen, typically 30 to 60 centimetres away. They are designed for situations where ceiling mounting is impractical or where room depth is extremely limited.

Calculation example: 3m screen width x 0.25 throw ratio = 0.75m from screen. The projector can sit on a shelf or the floor directly in front of the screen.

UST projectors are more expensive than short throw models and come with trade-offs. The extreme angle of projection can cause image distortion on screens that are not perfectly flat. Golf simulator impact screens flex when hit by a ball, and this movement can temporarily distort the UST image. For this reason, we recommend short throw projectors for most UK builds. UST is best reserved for spaces where ceiling mounting is genuinely impossible and the projector must sit at floor level.

Throw Type	Throw Ratio	Distance for 3m Screen	Best For	Typical Price
Standard	1.5:1+	4.5m+	Not recommended for simulators	£200-800
Short Throw	0.4-1.0:1	1.2-3m	Most simulator builds (recommended)	£500-1,500
Ultra-Short Throw	0.2-0.4:1	0.6-1.2m	Very tight rooms, floor mount setups	£1,000-3,000

Brightness: How Many Lumens Do You Actually Need?

Lumens measure the total amount of light a projector produces. More lumens means a brighter image, which means better visibility in rooms that are not completely dark. For golf simulators, brightness is critical because most UK garages and garden rooms are not pitch-black home cinema environments.

2,000 to 3,000 Lumens: Dark Rooms Only

Projectors in this range produce a good image in a fully darkened room with no ambient light. If your simulator room has blackout blinds, no windows, and you always play with the lights off, 2,500 lumens is workable. However, even a small amount of light leaking under a door or through a vent will wash out the image noticeably.

We do not generally recommend this brightness range for golf simulators. The few hundred pounds you save on a dimmer projector is not worth the frustration of a washed-out image every time someone opens the garage door or you want overhead lighting while setting up.

3,000 to 4,000 Lumens: The Sweet Spot

This is our recommended minimum for most UK golf simulator builds. A 3,500-lumen projector produces a bright, vivid image in a room with some ambient light. You can have low-level overhead lighting on, the occasional light leak from a window is not catastrophic, and the projected simulation software looks sharp and colourful.

Most of the popular simulator projectors in the UK market fall in this range. The BenQ TH671ST at 3,000 lumens and the Optoma GT1080HDR at 3,800 lumens are both excellent examples that balance brightness, image quality, and cost.

4,000+ Lumens: Bright Rooms and Large Screens

If your simulator room has windows you cannot or do not want to cover, or if your screen is larger than 3 metres wide, a 4,000+ lumen projector ensures the image stays punchy regardless of ambient light conditions. This brightness level is also beneficial for garden rooms with glass panels or doors that let in daylight.

The trade-off is cost. Projectors above 4,000 lumens cost significantly more, and you may be paying for brightness you do not need if your room can be reasonably darkened. Spend the money on blackout blinds first; they are cheaper than upgrading from a 3,500 to a 5,000-lumen projector.

Lumens	Room Conditions	Screen Size	Recommendation
2,000-3,000	Pitch-dark only	Up to 2.5m wide	Budget builds in dedicated dark rooms
3,000-4,000	Some ambient light OK	2.5-3.5m wide	Recommended for most UK builds
4,000-5,000	Moderate ambient light	3-4m wide	Rooms with windows, larger screens
5,000+	Bright ambient light	4m+ wide	Garden rooms with glazing, commercial use

Resolution: 1080p vs 4K

The resolution debate generates more heat than light online. Here is the practical truth for golf simulators.

1080p (1920 x 1080)

Full HD 1080p is perfectly adequate for the vast majority of golf simulator setups. At a typical viewing distance of 2 to 3 metres from the screen, and with the screen displaying simulation software rather than fine text or detailed photographs, 1080p looks sharp and clean. The individual pixels are not visible at normal simulator distances.

The biggest advantage of 1080p is the price. A quality 1080p short throw projector costs £500 to £800. The equivalent specification in 4K costs £1,200 to £2,500. For most UK builds where the total budget needs to cover a launch monitor, enclosure, mat, projector, and PC, allocating an extra £1,000 to the projector for a resolution improvement that is barely noticeable at simulator distances is difficult to justify.

1080p also places fewer demands on your PC. Golf simulation software like GSPro, E6 Connect, and Awesome Golf run smoothly at 1080p on mid-range hardware. Pushing 4K requires a significantly more powerful (and expensive) graphics card.

4K (3840 x 2160)

4K projectors deliver a noticeably sharper image on larger screens, particularly those wider than 3 metres (10 feet). If you are building a premium setup in a large room with a 3.5 to 4-metre screen, 4K is worth the investment. The course scenery in simulation software is genuinely more detailed and immersive at 4K, and text elements like scoreboards and menus are crisper.

However, 4K only justifies the premium if the rest of your setup can take advantage of it. You need a powerful PC with a modern dedicated graphics card (at minimum an NVIDIA RTX 4060 or equivalent). You need a high-quality impact screen with a smooth surface that does not introduce texture into the projected image. And you need a screen large enough for the resolution difference to be visible at your viewing distance.

Our recommendation: For most UK home builds, choose 1080p and put the savings towards a better launch monitor or impact screen. If your total simulator budget exceeds £8,000 and you are building a premium setup in a large, dedicated room, 4K is a worthwhile upgrade.

Input Lag

Input lag is the time delay between your PC sending a video frame and the projector displaying it on screen. It is measured in milliseconds (ms). In competitive gaming, even 15ms of lag can be the difference between winning and losing. In golf simulation, the stakes are much lower.

When you hit a golf ball in a simulator, you watch the ball fly through the air for several seconds. The ball flight animation is not something you react to in real time; you are watching a replay of the calculated trajectory. A few extra milliseconds of lag between the animation rendering and it appearing on screen is completely imperceptible.

Under 30ms: Excellent. The animation feels perfectly smooth and immediate. Most modern projectors in the £500+ range achieve this in their game or low-latency mode.

30-50ms: Good. No perceptible delay for golf simulation. You would only notice this if you were directly comparing it side-by-side with a faster projector.

50-100ms: Acceptable for golf simulation. You might notice a very slight sluggishness when navigating menus, but ball flight animation looks fine.

Over 100ms: Not recommended. At this level, the delay between clicking a menu item and seeing the response becomes annoying, and the overall experience feels laggy.

The bottom line: do not pay a premium for ultra-low input lag. Any modern projector marketed for gaming or entertainment use will have acceptable input lag for a golf simulator. Check the specification sheet for a "game mode" or "low latency mode" and you will be fine.

Mounting Options for UK Rooms

Where and how you mount the projector depends on your room layout, ceiling height, and projector type. There are three common approaches, each with practical considerations for UK rooms.

Ceiling Mount (Most Common)

The projector mounts upside-down on the ceiling, between the hitting position and the screen. This is the standard approach for the majority of golf simulator installations and the one we recommend for most UK builds.

Advantages:

• Keeps the projector out of the way of swings, balls, and foot traffic
• Provides a clean, permanent installation
• Most projectors include a ceiling mount mode that flips the image automatically
• The projector position (1.5 to 2.5 metres from the screen) matches most short throw projector sweet spots

UK ceiling height considerations: Standard UK ceilings are 2.4 metres. A ceiling-mounted projector typically hangs 15 to 25 centimetres below the ceiling (mount bracket plus projector body). This puts the bottom of the projector at roughly 2.15 to 2.25 metres. For most golfers, this is above the swing arc, but taller golfers should check clearance. Position the projector between the golfer and the screen, not directly above the hitting position, to maximise headroom at the point of the swing.

Practical tips:

• Use a universal projector ceiling mount (£20-50 from Amazon or Screwfix). Ensure it is rated for your projector's weight
• For plasterboard ceilings, mount into joists or use suitable plasterboard fixings rated for the projector weight plus mount
• For garage ceilings with exposed joists or steelwork, mount directly to the structure
• Run the power cable and HDMI cable along the ceiling to the nearest wall, then down to the PC. Use cable clips or trunking for a tidy finish
• A 10-metre HDMI cable is usually sufficient. For runs over 10 metres, use an active HDMI cable or an HDMI-over-fibre solution to avoid signal degradation

Floor or Shelf Mount (for UST Projectors)

Ultra-short throw projectors are designed to sit on a surface close to and below the screen, projecting upward at a steep angle. This approach eliminates the need for ceiling mounting entirely.

Advantages:

• No ceiling drilling or mounting brackets required
• Easy to set up and adjust
• Works in rooms where ceiling access is difficult or where the ceiling is too low for a mounted projector

Disadvantages:

• The projector sits at floor level in front of the screen, which means it is in the path of mis-hit balls. A protective enclosure or shield is essential
• UST projectors are sensitive to screen flatness. Any ripple or flex in the impact screen distorts the image more than with a ceiling-mounted short throw projector
• UST projectors are typically more expensive than equivalent short throw models

When to use this approach: Only choose a floor-mounted UST projector if ceiling mounting is genuinely not possible in your space. Common reasons include very low ceilings (under 2.2 metres), concrete ceilings that cannot be drilled, or rental properties where you cannot modify the ceiling.

Shelf or Wall Bracket Mount

A shelf or wall bracket behind the hitting position is a compromise between ceiling and floor mounting. The projector sits on a sturdy shelf at roughly 2-metre height on the rear wall, pointing forward at the screen.

Advantages:

• Easier to install than a ceiling mount
• The projector is accessible for adjustment, lamp changes, and filter cleaning
• Does not hang from the ceiling, so no concerns about ceiling strength

Disadvantages:

• Takes up wall space behind the hitting area
• The projector beam passes through the space where the golfer stands, which can create shadows if the golfer moves in front of it
• Less clean aesthetically than a ceiling mount

When to use this approach: A shelf mount works well in garages where the projector needs to be positioned further from the screen than a ceiling mount allows, or where you want the flexibility to remove the projector easily.

Projector Recommendations by Budget

These recommendations are based on projectors readily available in the UK market as of 2026, with pricing in GBP. All models listed have been used successfully in golf simulator installations.

Budget: £300 to £600

At this price point, you are looking at 1080p projectors with standard or moderate throw ratios and good brightness. These projectors do the job well for simulators in darkened rooms, though you may need a longer throw distance than ideal.

Model	Price (approx.)	Resolution	Lumens	Throw Ratio	Input Lag	Notes
BenQ TH585P	£450	1080p	3,800	1.15-1.5:1	16ms	Bright, reliable. Needs 3.5m+ from screen for a 3m image
Optoma HD146X	£420	1080p	3,600	1.47-1.62:1	16ms	Excellent image quality. Standard throw requires deeper room
ViewSonic PX701HD	£400	1080p	3,500	1.13-1.47:1	16ms	Versatile zoom range. Good entry point

Best for: Larger rooms (5.5m+ deep) where the projector can sit further from the screen. Budget builds where the projector is the final component and funds are limited. Dark, dedicated simulator rooms.

Limitations: The throw ratios on these budget models mean they need more distance from the screen. In a standard 5-metre UK garage, you may struggle to fill a 3-metre screen unless the projector mounts at the very rear of the room, behind you. Check the throw distance calculation carefully before buying.

Mid-Range: £600 to £1,200

This is the sweet spot for golf simulator projectors. You get genuine short throw ratios that work in standard UK rooms, good brightness, low input lag, and reliable build quality from established brands.

Model	Price (approx.)	Resolution	Lumens	Throw Ratio	Input Lag	Notes
BenQ TH671ST	£650	1080p	3,000	0.69-0.83:1	16ms	The most popular sim projector in the UK. Short throw, reliable, excellent image
Optoma GT1080HDR	£700	1080p	3,800	0.49-0.68:1	8.4ms	Very short throw. Excellent brightness. HDR support
ViewSonic PX706HD	£600	1080p	3,000	0.69-0.83:1	16ms	Short throw with SuperColor technology. Good value alternative to the BenQ
BenQ TH685P	£750	1080p	3,500	1.13-1.46:1	8.3ms	Bright with gaming-grade lag. Moderate throw ratio needs more depth

Our top pick: The BenQ TH671ST is the most widely used projector in UK golf simulators for good reason. The 0.69:1 throw ratio means it fills a 3-metre screen from just over 2 metres away. It is bright enough for rooms with some ambient light, the image quality is excellent for simulation software, and it mounts easily on any UK ceiling. If you are building your first simulator and want a projector that just works, this is the one.

The Optoma GT1080HDR is the alternative for tighter rooms. Its 0.49:1 minimum throw ratio means it can fill a 3-metre screen from under 1.5 metres. It is also brighter at 3,800 lumens. If your room depth is limited, this projector gives you more flexibility.

Premium: £1,200 to £2,500

At this level, you get 4K resolution, laser light sources (which last 20,000+ hours versus 3,000-5,000 hours for traditional lamps), and exceptional image quality. These projectors are suited to premium builds where the total simulator investment exceeds £8,000.

Model	Price (approx.)	Resolution	Lumens	Throw Ratio	Input Lag	Notes
BenQ LK935	£2,200	4K	5,500	1.36-2.18:1	16ms	4K laser. Extremely bright. Standard throw needs deep room
Optoma UHZ50	£1,800	4K	3,000	1.21-1.59:1	15.7ms	4K laser. Compact design. Good all-rounder for premium builds
Epson EF-12	£1,300	1080p	1,000	UST (0.27:1)	N/A	Laser UST. Compact. Low brightness limits to very dark rooms
XGIMI Aura	£2,000	4K	2,400	UST (0.233:1)	30ms	4K UST laser. Premium build quality. Good for floor-mount setups

Best for: Dedicated simulator rooms with large screens (3.5m+), premium builds alongside high-end launch monitors like the Foresight GC3S or GCQuad, and golfers who want the absolute best image quality.

Note on laser vs lamp: Laser projectors cost more upfront but have a light source that lasts 20,000 to 30,000 hours, effectively the lifetime of the projector. Traditional lamp projectors need a replacement lamp every 3,000 to 5,000 hours, costing £80 to £200 per lamp. If you use your simulator 10 hours per week, that is a new lamp roughly every 6 to 9 years for a lamp projector. Factor this ongoing cost into your decision.

How to Calculate Your Throw Distance

Before buying a projector, you must confirm that it will produce the right image size at the distance available in your room. This calculation takes two minutes and saves you the hassle of returning a projector that does not fit your space.

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Measure your screen width. If you have already purchased an impact screen, measure its usable projection width. If not, plan for the screen width that suits your room. Most UK setups use screens between 2.5 and 3.5 metres wide. See our impact screens and enclosures guide for sizing advice.
2. Note the projector's throw ratio. Find this in the projector specification sheet. It will be a single number (e.g., 0.69:1) or a range (e.g., 0.69-0.83:1). If it is a range, the projector has an optical zoom lens and can be positioned anywhere within the calculated distance range.
3. Multiply screen width by throw ratio. This gives you the required distance from projector to screen.
4. Check that this distance fits your room layout. The projector-to-screen distance must fall within the space between your screen and the rear wall, accounting for where you stand and where the projector mounts.

Worked Example

You have a standard UK single garage, 5 metres deep. Your impact screen is 3 metres wide. You are considering the BenQ TH671ST (throw ratio 0.69-0.83:1).

• Minimum distance: 3m x 0.69 = 2.07m from screen
• Maximum distance: 3m x 0.83 = 2.49m from screen

The projector needs to be between 2.07 and 2.49 metres from the screen. If your screen sits 0.3 metres from the front wall, the projector should be 2.37 to 2.79 metres from the front wall, which puts it roughly above your hitting position. Your hitting mat sits about 2.5 metres from the screen, with the projector mounted on the ceiling directly above or slightly behind you. This fits perfectly in a 5-metre garage.

For quick calculations without a ruler and paper, Projector Central's throw distance calculator lets you enter your projector model and screen size to see exact distances, image dimensions, and optimal mounting positions. BenQ also publishes a useful golf simulator projector buying guide with additional technical detail on throw ratios and mounting.

What If the Numbers Do Not Work?

If your calculated throw distance does not fit your room, you have three options:

• Choose a projector with a shorter throw ratio. Switch from a 0.69:1 to a 0.49:1 projector and you need far less distance
• Reduce your screen size. A smaller screen needs less throw distance. A 2.5-metre screen with the same 0.69:1 projector only needs 1.73 metres
• Reposition the projector. Consider a shelf mount on the rear wall or angling the projector differently. Some setups mount the projector on the ceiling closer to the screen with lens shift to offset the image downward

Common Projector Mistakes

After helping hundreds of UK golfers choose their simulator projectors, these are the mistakes we see most often.

1. Buying too dim. A 2,000-lumen projector looks brilliant in the shop's darkened demo room. In your garage with an up-and-over door that leaks light and a window you cannot easily black out, it looks washed out and disappointing. Buy at least 3,000 lumens for any room that is not completely dark.

2. Ignoring the throw ratio. This is the most expensive mistake. You buy a well-reviewed projector, mount it on the ceiling, and discover it produces a 1.5-metre image instead of the 3-metre image you expected. Always calculate your throw distance before purchasing.

3. Mounting the projector too high or too low. If the projector is mounted too high (close to the ceiling in a room with a low ceiling), the projected image angle becomes extreme, causing keystone distortion. If it is mounted too low, it sits in your eyeline and the projected beam hits you in the face while you address the ball. The sweet spot is 15 to 25 centimetres below the ceiling, positioned between you and the screen.

4. Forgetting about replacement lamp costs. A traditional lamp projector at £600 looks cheaper than a laser projector at £1,800. But if you replace the lamp twice over the projector's life at £150 each, the total cost of ownership narrows significantly. Heavy users (15+ hours per week) should seriously consider laser from the outset.

5. Buying ultra-short throw when it is not needed. UST projectors are more expensive and more sensitive to screen imperfections. If your room allows a ceiling-mounted short throw projector, that is the better, cheaper, and more reliable choice. UST is a solution for specific constraints, not a default upgrade.

6. Skipping the keystone setup. Every projector has keystone correction to square up the image when the projector is not perfectly perpendicular to the screen. Skipping this adjustment means a projected image that is wider at the top than the bottom (or vice versa), making the simulation look distorted. Spend five minutes adjusting keystone after mounting.

7. Using a cheap HDMI cable on a long run. A 1-metre HDMI cable from the bargain bin works fine. A 10-metre cheap cable may not. For cable runs over 5 metres, use a certified high-speed HDMI cable. For runs over 10 metres, use an active HDMI cable or HDMI-over-fibre. Signal dropouts and flickering are almost always caused by inadequate cables, not faulty projectors.

Projector and Screen Pairing

Your projector is only half of the projected image equation. The screen surface has a significant impact on brightness, sharpness, and colour accuracy.

Screen material matters. A bright white impact screen reflects more projector light back to your eyes than a grey or dark screen. If you are using a projector in the 3,000-lumen range, a white screen maximises brightness. Our Close Knit Baffle Screen and GolfBays Pro+ Screen are both designed for dual use as impact surfaces and projection screens.

Screen tension affects image quality. A saggy or wrinkled screen creates an uneven projection surface, causing bright and dark patches across the image. Proper tensioning using bungee cords, elastic ties, or the enclosure's built-in tensioning system is essential. Check tension after the first few weeks of use, as screens can stretch slightly under repeated ball impacts.

Screen texture is visible. Heavily textured impact screens — particularly coarse woven or knitted materials — can show a visible fabric pattern in the projection. Smoother screens produce a cleaner image. If projection quality is a high priority, choose a screen specifically designed for projection, like the GolfBays Pro+.

For a complete guide to choosing an impact screen, read our impact screens and enclosures guide.

Projector vs TV: Can You Use a Television Instead?

This question comes up frequently, and the answer is: yes, but with significant compromises.

A television cannot sit behind an impact screen because golf balls would destroy it instantly. A TV-based setup positions the display to the side or at an angle, with the golfer hitting into a net or screen and viewing the simulation on a separate TV mounted on the wall.

Advantages of a TV:

• Brighter and sharper than most projectors (4K TVs at 55-65 inches are very affordable)
• No throw distance calculations needed
• No darkened room required
• Lower cost (a 55-inch 4K TV costs £300-500)
• Zero maintenance (no lamp replacements)

Disadvantages of a TV:

• Maximum screen size is 85 inches (roughly 1.9 metres diagonal) without spending thousands. A projector fills a 3-metre screen easily
• The simulation is not in front of you on the screen you are hitting into — it is off to the side, which breaks the immersive feel of a simulator
• You cannot project course visuals onto the impact screen, which is the core experience most people picture when they imagine a golf simulator

Our recommendation: A TV-based setup is a perfectly valid approach for practice-focused builds where data accuracy matters more than visual immersion. Pair a quality launch monitor with a 55-inch TV on a wall mount and a hitting net, and you have an excellent practice station. But if you want the full projected simulator experience, where you stand in front of a large screen showing the course you are playing, a projector is the only way to achieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best projector for a golf simulator in the UK?

The BenQ TH671ST is the most popular and most recommended projector for UK golf simulators. Its 0.69:1 short throw ratio works in standard UK garages and rooms, it produces 3,000 lumens (bright enough for most setups), and it delivers a sharp 1080p image with low input lag. At approximately £650, it offers excellent value. For tighter rooms, the Optoma GT1080HDR (0.49:1 throw ratio, 3,800 lumens, approximately £700) is an excellent alternative.

How many lumens do I need for a golf simulator?

We recommend a minimum of 3,000 lumens for most UK golf simulator rooms. If your room can be made completely dark (no windows, all light blocked), 2,500 lumens is workable. If your room has windows, ambient light, or you want to keep some overhead lighting on, aim for 3,500 to 4,000 lumens. Rooms with significant ambient light, such as garden rooms with glass panels, benefit from 4,000+ lumens.

What is the difference between short throw and ultra-short throw projectors?

Short throw projectors (throw ratio 0.4-1.0:1) sit 1 to 3 metres from the screen and are typically ceiling-mounted behind the golfer. Ultra-short throw projectors (throw ratio 0.2-0.4:1) sit 30 to 60 centimetres from the screen and are typically floor-mounted or shelf-mounted directly below the screen. Short throw is recommended for most golf simulators because it is cheaper, more forgiving of screen imperfections, and easier to mount. UST is best for rooms where ceiling mounting is impossible.

Should I ceiling mount or floor mount my projector?

Ceiling mount is the standard approach for golf simulators and our recommendation for most UK builds. It keeps the projector out of the way of swings and ball paths, provides a clean installation, and works well with the short throw projectors that most simulators use. Floor mounting is only necessary with ultra-short throw projectors in rooms where ceiling access is not possible. Floor-mounted projectors need a protective shield to prevent ball damage.

Is 1080p or 4K better for a golf simulator?

1080p is the best value choice for the majority of golf simulators. At typical simulator viewing distances of 2 to 3 metres, the resolution difference between 1080p and 4K is much less noticeable than on a home cinema screen viewed from a sofa. 4K is worth the investment for premium builds with screens wider than 3 metres and a powerful PC to drive the higher resolution. For most UK builds, 1080p at £500-800 outperforms 4K at £1,500-2,500 in terms of value for money.

How much does a golf simulator projector cost in the UK?

Budget 1080p projectors suitable for simulators start at approximately £400. The sweet spot for most UK builds is £600 to £800 for a quality 1080p short throw projector like the BenQ TH671ST or Optoma GT1080HDR. Premium 4K laser projectors range from £1,200 to £2,500. Beyond the projector itself, budget £20-50 for a ceiling mount bracket and £15-30 for a suitable-length HDMI cable. Our full cost breakdown puts projector costs in context alongside every other component.

Can I use a TV instead of a projector for my golf simulator?

Yes, but with compromises. A TV cannot sit behind the impact screen (the ball would destroy it), so it must be mounted to the side or at an angle. This means you cannot project the simulation onto the screen you are hitting into, which removes the immersive experience that defines a projected simulator. A TV works well for practice-focused setups where you are primarily tracking data and the visual display is secondary. For the full projected simulator experience, you need a projector.

Do I need a special screen for a projector?

You need an impact screen that doubles as a projection surface, not a standard cinema projection screen. Regular projection screens cannot withstand golf ball impacts. Purpose-built golf simulator impact screens are designed to absorb ball energy and provide a reasonable projection surface simultaneously. White or light grey screens produce the brightest projected image. Our impact screens guide covers screen selection in detail.

Summary: Choosing Your Projector

Choosing a projector does not need to be complicated. Follow this decision tree:

1. Calculate your available throw distance — the distance from where the projector will mount to your screen
2. Choose a throw type: short throw (0.4-1.0:1) for ceiling mount in most rooms, UST (0.2-0.4:1) only if ceiling mounting is impossible
3. Set your brightness minimum: 3,000 lumens for darkened rooms, 3,500+ for rooms with some ambient light
4. Pick your resolution: 1080p for most builds, 4K only for premium builds with large screens and powerful PCs
5. Check the throw distance calculation: screen width x throw ratio = distance from screen. Confirm this fits your room

For the vast majority of UK golf simulator builds, the BenQ TH671ST at approximately £650 is the right choice. It works in standard UK rooms, produces a bright and sharp image, and has been proven in thousands of simulator installations.

Ready to build your simulator? Browse our complete simulator bundles, which include everything you need except the projector and PC — giving you the flexibility to choose the projector that fits your room and budget. Our FlightScope Mevo Gen 2 bundle and Foresight GC3S bundle are our most popular packages for UK builds.

For more help planning your build, read our complete UK buyer's guide, garage build guide, and garden room guide. And if you are still unsure about room dimensions, our room size guide has the exact measurements you need.