The Best Short-Throw Projectors for a Golf Simulator

A short throw projector golf simulator setup makes sense when the projector has to sit close to the impact screen, usually because the room is not long enough for a standard-throw model. The main trade-off is that short-throw projectors are less forgiving: a few inches of mounting error can affect image size, focus, and screen alignment.

For most buyers, the best choice depends on three things: screen width, room lighting, and whether you care more about image quality or keeping the budget sensible.

Best overall: BenQ LK936ST

The BenQ LK936ST is one of the safer premium choices for a serious home golf simulator. It is a bright laser projector with a short-throw lens, 4K-class image detail, and setup features that suit simulator rooms better than many general home cinema models.

It is a particularly good fit if you are building around a wider impact screen, using software with detailed course graphics, or placing the simulator in a garage or multipurpose room where lighting is not fully controlled. It is not the cheapest route, but it avoids many of the compromises that show up with dimmer lamp projectors.

Before buying, check your exact throw distance against your screen size. Do not assume “short throw” automatically means it will work in your room. If space is tight, start with a room plan like our small room and low ceiling simulator guide.

Best lower-cost route: 1080p short-throw projector

If you are trying to keep the total build cost under control, a 1080p short-throw projector can still work well. Look for a model with enough brightness for your room, low input lag if you play simulator rounds, and a throw ratio that matches your impact screen width from your planned mounting point.

This route is most sensible for darker rooms, smaller screens, and buyers using a budget launch monitor. If your whole setup is still being planned, compare projector spend against essentials like the hitting mat, enclosure, and launch monitor. A good projector cannot fix a poor hitting surface or unsafe screen setup. For lower-budget builds, see our best golf simulator under $5,000 guide.

Lamp-based models can be cheaper up front, while laser models usually need less maintenance and maintain brightness more consistently over time. Check current price and warranty before deciding.

What to check before you buy

First, calculate throw distance using the actual projector model, not a generic estimate. You need the image to fill the screen without placing the projector where it can be hit by a club or ball.

Second, match brightness to your room. A dark basement needs less output than a garage with daylight leaks. Third, think about aspect ratio. Many golf simulator screens are closer to 4:3 or 16:10 than standard TV-shaped 16:9, so you may not use every pixel.

Finally, make sure your computer or launch monitor setup can drive the resolution you choose. If you are unsure whether your simulator software needs a gaming PC, read do you need a PC for a golf simulator?. A projector should fit the whole system, not just the wall.