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Why Short Throw Matters for Golf Simulators
In a typical golf simulator setup, you can't place a projector 15 feet from the screen - the golfer is in the way. Short throw projectors solve this by projecting large images from just a few feet away, allowing mounting behind or above the hitting position.
Standard throw: 100" image from 10-12 feet
Short throw: 100" image from 4-6 feet
Ultra short throw: 100" image from 1-2 feet
Quick Comparison
| Projector | Throw Ratio | Resolution | Brightness | Price | Rating | |-----------|-------------|------------|------------|-------|--------| | Optoma GT1090HDR | 0.50:1 | 1080p | 4,200 lumens | $1,200 | Best Value | | BenQ LK936ST | 0.81:1 | 4K | 5,100 lumens | $2,500 | Best Premium | | BenQ TH671ST | 0.69:1 | 1080p | 3,000 lumens | $750 | Best Budget | | Optoma GT2000HDR | 0.50:1 | 1080p | 3,500 lumens | $1,000 | Great Mid-Range | | Epson LS500 | 0.25:1 | 4K | 4,000 lumens | $2,000 | Best UST |
Top Picks Reviewed
#1 Best Overall: Optoma GT1090HDR
Optoma GT1090HDR Short Throw
Mid-RangeHigh brightness short throw perfect for garages and rooms with ambient light. HDR support enhances realism.
Pros
- Very bright 4200 lumens
- HDR support
- Short throw design
- Handles bright rooms well
Cons
- Higher price point
- 1080p native resolution
- Runs warm - needs ventilation
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The GT1090HDR is the most popular golf simulator projector for good reason. At $1,200, it delivers bright, sharp images from extremely short distances.
Key Specs:
- Throw ratio: 0.50:1 (100" from 4.1 feet)
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Brightness: 4,200 lumens
- HDR: Yes (HDR10)
- Lamp life: 15,000 hours (eco mode)
Why it's our top pick:
- Extremely short throw ratio handles tight spaces
- 4,200 lumens handles ambient light well
- HDR support for vibrant colors
- Gaming mode with low input lag (16ms)
- Reasonable price for the feature set
Ideal placement: Mount on ceiling 4-5 feet from screen, behind the hitting position. The 0.50:1 ratio means you get a massive image without needing much distance.
Considerations:
- 1080p resolution (not 4K, but sufficient for most)
- Fan noise audible during use
- No lens shift (position must be precise)
Best for: Most home golf simulators where value and performance matter more than 4K resolution.
#2 Best Premium: BenQ LK936ST
The LK936ST is the choice for serious simulators with premium builds. 4K resolution and laser light source justify the higher price for those who want the best.
Key Specs:
- Throw ratio: 0.81:1 (100" from 6.7 feet)
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Brightness: 5,100 lumens
- Light source: Laser (20,000+ hours)
- HDR: HDR10/HLG
Why it's premium:
- True 4K resolution for crisp course details
- Laser light source never needs lamp replacement
- 5,100 lumens handles any lighting condition
- Professional-grade build quality
- Extensive lens shift and keystone correction
Considerations:
- $2,500 price point
- Larger throw ratio requires more distance than GT1090
- Overkill for casual setups
Best for: Premium builds where 4K visuals and long-term reliability justify the investment.
#3 Best Budget: BenQ TH671ST
BenQ TH671ST Short Throw
Mid-RangeReliable short throw projector that's been the go-to for simulator builds. Great balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Low input lag (16ms)
- Short throw design
- Bright 3000 lumens
- Proven reliable choice
Cons
- Older model
- Fan noise noticeable
- No 4K option
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The TH671ST proves you don't need to spend $1,000+ for quality simulation. At $750, it delivers solid performance for budget-conscious builds.
Key Specs:
- Throw ratio: 0.69:1 (100" from 5.7 feet)
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Brightness: 3,000 lumens
- Lamp life: 10,000 hours
Why it's great for budgets:
- Under $800 for quality short throw
- 3,000 lumens adequate for controlled lighting
- Good gaming mode (16ms input lag)
- BenQ reliability and support
- Easy setup and calibration
Considerations:
- Lower brightness than GT1090HDR
- No HDR support
- Standard lamp (not laser)
- Room needs to be darker for best image
Best for: Budget builds under $5,000 total, or well-lit spaces isn't a concern.
#4 Best Mid-Range: Optoma GT2000HDR
Price: ~$1,000
A step down from the GT1090 but still excellent performance.
Key Specs:
- Throw ratio: 0.50:1
- Resolution: 1080p
- Brightness: 3,500 lumens
- HDR: Yes
Why consider it:
- Same great throw ratio as GT1090
- $200 less than GT1090HDR
- HDR support for vibrant images
- Good choice if brightness isn't critical
Considerations:
- 700 fewer lumens than GT1090
- Older model with less availability
Best for: Builds with good light control looking to save $200 vs GT1090.
#5 Best Ultra Short Throw: Epson LS500
Ultra short throw projectors sit inches from the screen, allowing placement below the hitting area entirely.
Key Specs:
- Throw ratio: 0.25:1 (100" from ~2 feet)
- Resolution: 4K (pixel-shifted)
- Brightness: 4,000 lumens
- Light source: Laser
Why UST works for simulators:
- Places projector out of ball path entirely
- No ceiling mount required
- Extremely short throw distance
- 4K with laser light source
Considerations:
- $2,000 price point
- UST has more image distortion at edges
- Requires perfectly flat screen
- Floor placement may be awkward in some setups
Best for: Spaces where ceiling mounting is impossible or undesired.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Throw Ratio
Lower = shorter distance needed.
- 0.50:1 = 100" from 4 feet (excellent)
- 0.80:1 = 100" from 6.5 feet (good)
- 1.0:1+ = Not ideal for most simulator spaces
Brightness (Lumens)
More lumens = better in ambient light.
- 2,500-3,000: Requires dark room
- 3,500-4,000: Handles moderate ambient light
- 4,500+: Works in most lighting conditions
For garage simulators with windows or overhead lights, aim for 4,000+ lumens.
Resolution
| Resolution | Best For | |------------|----------| | 1080p | Most simulators, great value | | 4K | Premium builds, large screens |
Honestly, 1080p is sufficient for most golf simulator use. The image is viewed from 8-15 feet away, and the motion of gameplay masks resolution differences.
Input Lag
Important for responsive feel:
- Under 20ms: Excellent, unnoticeable lag
- 20-35ms: Good, slight delay
- 35ms+: May feel sluggish
All projectors listed have under 20ms input lag in gaming mode.
Light Source
| Type | Lifespan | Cost | Maintenance | |------|----------|------|-------------| | Lamp | 5,000-15,000 hrs | Lower initial | Replace lamp ($100-200) | | Laser | 20,000+ hrs | Higher initial | Zero maintenance |
Math: At 10 hours/week, a lamp lasts 10-25 years. Laser longevity is nice but lamps aren't a dealbreaker.
Mounting Options
Ceiling Mount (Most Common)
- Mount projector behind hitting position
- Angled down toward screen
- Keeps projector out of ball path
- Requires ceiling structure and wiring
Floor/Table Mount
- Projector on stand or table
- Works for UST models
- Easier installation
- May be in ball path (use enclosure)
Enclosure Recommendation
Any projector in a golf simulator space should be protected. Check our projector enclosure guide for DIY plans.
Screen Size Guide
Match your projector distance to screen size:
For Optoma GT1090HDR (0.50:1)
| Screen Size | Distance from Screen | |-------------|---------------------| | 80" | 3.3 feet | | 100" | 4.1 feet | | 120" | 4.9 feet | | 150" | 6.2 feet |
For BenQ TH671ST (0.69:1)
| Screen Size | Distance from Screen | |-------------|---------------------| | 80" | 4.6 feet | | 100" | 5.7 feet | | 120" | 6.9 feet | | 150" | 8.6 feet |
Common Questions
Q: Do I need a 4K projector?
For most golf simulators, no. 1080p at typical viewing distances looks great, and the $1,000+ saved can go toward other equipment. 4K matters more for dedicated home theaters.
Q: Lamp vs laser - is laser worth it?
Laser is worth it if:
- You'll use the simulator heavily (20+ hours/week)
- You hate maintenance
- Budget allows $1,500+
Otherwise, lamp projectors work great for years.
Q: Can I use a regular projector instead of short throw?
Yes, if your space allows 10-12 feet of throw distance behind the hitting area. Many garages can't accommodate this.
Q: What if my projector gets hit?
Build an enclosure. Seriously. Check our DIY enclosure guide. A $50-100 enclosure protects a $1,000+ investment.
Q: Do I need a special screen for short throw?
Standard impact screens work fine. The projector doesn't care what surface it projects on. Just ensure your screen is tensioned flat - any ripples show more with short throw due to the projection angle.
Our Recommendations by Budget
Under $1,000: BenQ TH671ST
Best affordable option with reliable performance. Add good light control in your space.
$1,000-1,500: Optoma GT1090HDR
The sweet spot. Bright enough for garage builds, short enough for tight spaces, HDR for vibrant colors.
$1,500-2,500: Epson LS500 or BenQ LK936ST
Premium territory. Choose UST (Epson) for floor mounting or traditional short throw (BenQ) for ceiling mounting with 4K.
$2,500+: BenQ LK936ST
The professional choice. 4K laser that will last decades with zero maintenance.
Final Thoughts
For most golf simulator builds, the Optoma GT1090HDR is the right choice. It's bright enough for ambient light, short enough for tight spaces, and priced reasonably for the performance.
Budget builders should look at the BenQ TH671ST - it's remarkably capable at under $800.
And premium builders wanting the best should consider the BenQ LK936ST for its 4K laser performance.
Don't forget to protect your investment with a proper enclosure and quality impact screen.
Related Resources
- DIY Projector Enclosure - Protect your investment
- Impact Screen Guide - Screen buying guide
- Garage Build Guide - Complete garage conversion
- Build Your Own Simulator - Equipment packages at every budget
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