7 Best Short Throw Projector For Golf Simulator In 2023

There is no doubt that we have come a long way to come up with technologies that favor us in all aspects of life including entertainment. 

As mankind evolved, technologies are meant to be evolved too so that they can meet the ever-increasing demand and the story for projectors are no different as they were only used for their mainstream purposes, which is watching movies in cinemas.

However, times have changed, and you can now even play outdoor games like golf without having to go outside, all in the comfort of your home through a short-throw projector.

 Since not everyone has massive houses, these are excellent multimedia devices where you can turn your room into a full-fledged cinema theater for not just playing games but also spicing up your weekend to watch movies with your loved ones.

So whether you want to practice a few rounds of golf before going for a match or just want to play with your friends without having to deal with monthly subscriptions to a real golf club, there is no better alternative than having a golf simulator at your home.

And if you are in search of such multimedia theaters that would emulate the perfect golf course, here you will find a thorough list of the best short throw projector for golf simulator which is cherry-picked from hundreds of different options available on the market to meet your standards, which I believe wouldn’t be satisfied elsewhere.

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What Is A Golf Simulator?

Let’s begin with some basic information to give you a better understanding before you buy it. So, what is a golf simulator? A golf simulator is basically a computer program that uses different sensors to track the trajectory and speed of a ball hit by a club. The data collected is then used to generate a corresponding image on a screen or projector, which simulates the ball’s flight path.

There are many different types of golf simulators on the market but the main type that is used indoors is a golf simulator short throw projector.

It is called “short throw” because the projector is placed very close to the screen (usually within 1-2 feet), and projects a large image onto the screen. This is in contrast to a “long-throw” projector, which is placed further away from the screen (5-20 feet) and projects a smaller image.

What are the Benefits Of Having A Golf Simulator In Your Home?

Now that you know what is a golf simulator, it’s time to learn about the benefits of having one in your home.

-The first benefit is that you can play golf anytime, regardless of the weather outside. If it’s raining, snowing, or even too hot to go outside, you can still enjoy a round of golf in the comfort of your own home.

-Secondly, it is a great way to improve your golf game. By using a golf simulator, you can track your progress and see where you need to improve.

– It is a also great way to socialize with friends. Golf is a social game and having a golf simulator in your home will allow you to invite friends over for a round of golf, even if they don’t have their own simulator.

-Last but not least, it is a great way to relieve stress. Golf is a very relaxing game and playing it in your home can help you forget about your day-to-day worries.

If you’re convinced that a golf simulator is right for you, then the next step is to choose the best one for your needs. Here is a list of the Best Short Throw Projector For Golf Simulator.

7 Best Short Throw Projector For Golf Simulator

BenQ Mw632st

Viewsonic Ps501x

Optoma Eh412st

Resolution

1280 x 800p

1920 x 1080p

 4k

Contrast ratio

13000:1

22000:1

50000: 1

Brightness

3200 Lumens

3400 Lumens

4000 Lumens

Lamp life

10000 hours

15000 hours

15000 hours

Display

300 inches

300 inches

120 inches projection display from 4.5 feet away

Throw ratio

0.72-0.87

0.61

0.5:1

1: BenQ Mw632st – Best Short Throw Projector For Golf Simulator 

Top Pick

Key Features

  • 1280 x 800p resolution
  • 13000:1 contrast ratio
  • 3200 Lumens brightness
  • 10000 hours of lamp life
  • Max 300 inches projection display
  • 0.72-0.87 optical throw ratio
  • Built-in speakers
  • 5.7 pounds body weight
  • 11.3 x 9.15 x 4.5 inches body dimensions

Description

Starting our list with a superior choice, the BenQ Mw632st is one of the top-tier short-throw projectors you can ever get your hands on for a wide variety of reasons.

With a 3200 lumens brightness, it is no doubt that it will make you feel like you are on a real golf course as the colors look surprisingly sharp due to special lenses used to reduce chromatic aberration as much as possible.

The 13,000:1 contrast ratio ensures you get the best possible picture output with eye-popping colors that wouldn’t shy away even from the brightest ambient light that might obstruct your experience.

The intuitive design of the projector is no doubt praiseworthy, it looks sleek and very sober with its off-white color that fits almost everywhere without being bulky and weighs only 5.7 pounds.

To produce such jaw-dropping imagery, the projector uses 305 watts of electricity, and the lamp source is finely tuned to withstand 10000 hours of picture delivery, which makes this projector a very low maintenance device, enhancing comfort.

Moreover, for accommodating your small rooms with even smaller surface areas, this projector only has a throw distance of a mere 0.9 ft to produce dispersion-free colors onto the screen.

What makes this product special is that it has an auto cleaning system that cleans itself through a trigger sensor system and for security you also get a Kensington lock to keep your device in place.

There is also an auto-correction system in this nifty multimedia device that automatically corrects the screen output, which has size specifications ranging from 30 to 300 inches.

And in terms of connectivity, the device has a wide variety of interfaces such as dual HDMI ports as well as a VGA port to connect to your older devices on the fly without having to look for external adapters.

Pros

  • Crystal Clear HD quality
  • The super-high brightness ratio
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • No wireless support

2: Viewsonic Ps501x – Versatile Short Throw Projector

Key Features

  • 1920 x 1080p resolution
  • 22000:1 contrast ratio
  • 3400 Lumens brightness
  • 15000 hours of lamp life
  • Max 300 inches projection display
  • 0.61 throw ratio
  • 5.73 pounds body weight
  • 4.53 x 11.5 x 9.29 inches body dimensions

Description

Nothing beats the delivery output of vibrant colors and top-of-the-line quality when it comes to ViewSonic Ps501x which is a marvelous short-throw projector that will blow your mind.

With 3500 lumens of brightness, you can be very well assured that this projector will shine brightly almost in any room without having to worry about turning on the blinds.

The projector has a resolution size of XGA 1024 x 768 which produces rich images filled with a broad spectrum of shades through a 6-segment color wheel which is made possible by the built-in ViewSonic SuperColor Technology.

Apart from the 3-year warranty, the lamp has 15000 hours of life which can be further prolonged through eco mode that can be turned on to save electricity costs and ensure that you don’t change the lamp as often as possible. 

Moreover, the projector has a short throw ratio of 0.61 which can fit almost any room so you don’t have to worry about space requirements which make this device highly convenient.

You can also use the HDMI output to display 3D images as well as videos, as the HDMI output can play sorts of 3D images through 3D blu-ray players without needing to invest in external devices.

The short-throw home theater is compatible with pretty much anything and can connect to the desktop, mobile devices, and consoles through HDMI, VGA, and USB interface provided at the backside.

As a bonus, this multimedia projector also supports a wireless connection and comes with Wireless HDMI dongles to support Chromecast and Ruku, right off the bat, saving you precious time.

Pros

  • Top-tier design quality
  • Rich vibrant color output
  • Wireless support

Cons

  • Doesn’t have an SD card reader slot

3: Optoma Eh412st – Short Throw Projector With Built-In Speaker

Key Features

  • 4k resolution
  • 50000: 1 contrast ratio
  • 4000 Lumens brightness
  • 15000 hours of lamp life
  • 120 inches projection display from 4.5 feet away
  • 0.5:1 throw ratio
  • Built-in speakers
  • 7.69 pounds body weight
  • 12.4 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches body dimensions

Description

When I said I thoroughly researched each and every product, I meant it because I believe no short-throw projector list is complete without mentioning the Optoma Eh412st projector because of its multifarious features.

To produce top-of-the-line colors with a super bright lumen ratio is required, which this projector fulfills and will surely meet your expectations with its 4000-lumen brightness ratio.

Not only is it perfect for gaming with super minimal input lag, but you can also view 4k videos which produce mesmerizing results with its HDR capabilities.

Moreover, I was bewitched by the projector contrast ratio of 50000:1 as it delivered true-to-life colors with breathtaking results-producing true blacks and true whites without any haziness or fade-outs.

As no multimedia home theater is complete without its system, the Optoma also fills the gap by giving you the liberty to enjoy a crystal clear auditory sensation through its 10-watt speakers.

The throw ratio is 0. 5: 1 is no doubt amazing and praiseworthy and the screen size specification is around 120 inches which can be fully customized, saving you time to physically move the projector.

Although there is no wireless connectivity, you can still make use of the dual HDMI interfaces as well as the Analog connection, and VGA output, for backward compatibility.

The projector also has a lamp life of 15000 hours which hits the sweet spot for being considered one of the low-maintenance projectors, providing you with the maximum possible convenience in the comfort of your home.

Overall, in terms of performance, quality, and portability this product is no doubt an ideal option for anyone looking for a multimedia device to fit in their small tightly packed room, due to its high brightness and small image throw ratio.

Pros

  • Very short-throw ratio
  • Budget-friendly
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Lacks zooming feature

4: Yaber Y30 Native 1080p Projector

Key Features

  • 1920 x 1080p resolution with 4k support
  • 10000:1 contrast ratio
  • 9500 Lumens brightness
  • 100000 hours of lamp life
  • Max 300 inches projection display
  • Built-in speakers
  • 5.8 pounds body weight
  • 11.22 x 10.63 x 4.33 inches body dimensions

Description

The Yaber Y30 is a 1080 Projector that has mind-numbing Lumen’s brightness with a state-of-the-art design which makes it a potent contender on the list.

The fact that it produces a native resolution of 1920 x 1080p is mind-blowing because most of the short-throw projectors fail to do so otherwise and often have very poor resolution quality.

And not only is the picture super sharp but also has a broad spectrum of vibrant colors filled into it due to its capability to deliver a contrast ratio of 10000: 1 and an 8000L brightness that barely shies away from ambient lighting.

Unlike other multimedia theaters, this one has a built-in 5-layered refraction feature that produces eye-popping rich colors while reducing chrome aberration as much as possible.

And for auditory sensation, the Yaber Y30 also comes with built-in stereo speakers, with super crisp audio quality which is perfect for watching movies and playing games.

Although the product might be a little pricey for your taste, you got to admit the fact that it has state of technologies such as super 4D keystone correction which automatically calibrates any screen error on the fly.

There  is also a zoom feature that lets you zoom your image up to 50% from its standard ratio and the screen specifications ranges from 45inchs to 200 inches

In terms of connectivity, there are a number of both digital and analog connectivity ports such as VGA, USB 2.0, and HDMI and supports devices like Apple TV, Laptop, and desktop right off the bat.

And as an added bonus, it also has a 3-year limited warranty all across the United States, as well as a lifetime warranty on super friendly technical support that is always ready to sort you out if you run into any problem.

Pros

  • Praiseworthy brightness aspect
  • The zoom factor is amazing
  • Native HD resolution

Cons

  • Stereo speakers aren’t suitable for bigger rooms

5: Dbpower Native – Portable Projector For Golf

Key Features

  • 1920 x 1080p resolution
  • 10000:1 contrast ratio
  • 9500 Lumens brightness
  • 100000 hours of lamp life
  • Max 300 inches projection display
  • Built-in speakers
  • ‎7.15 pounds body weight
  • 15.27 x 11.54 x 6.54 inches body dimensions

Description

Armed with an LCD display and LED light source technology, the DB power is a super portable projector that produces native resolution with premium quality.

With a 9500L intensity and a contrast ratio of 10000: 1, I was astonished to see such mind-blowing results without having to turn in the blinds, there was no haziness or washouts as compared to other projectors I have tried at such a price point.

The 4D keystone is truly a magical technology that automatically calibrates both horizontal and vertical picture aspects from all 4 sides, so you don’t have to worry about physically moving the projector, enhancing convenience for the owner, and saving precious time.

There is also a zoom factor that lets you zoom up to 50% of the original screen, so you can adjust your picture accordingly to the surface area provided.

Moreover, the projector also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can connect to Android and IOS devices just with the click of a button, without having any sort of input lag, making it highly feasible for online gaming too.

As a bonus, there are also dual 5w speakers which produce top-tier sound quality, however, there is no sound surround option which might be a little disappointing to some audio enthusiasts.

The LED lamp has a life expectancy of producing bright rich colors up to 100000 Hrs, which makes this product wholeheartedly worth the money without breaking the bank, in terms of maintenance.

In terms of connectivity, you can also connect devices like Apple TVs, desktop devices as well as gaming consoles through HDMI, VGA, and USB 2.0 output.

The device also comes with a whopping 3 years warranty and completely free technical support that are available 24/7 to sort you out.

Pros

  • Super sharp color output
  • Wireless connectivity options
  • Minimal input lag

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a 7.1 surround sound option

6: Viewsonic Pjd5353ls Projector For Golf Simulator

Key Features

  • 1024 x 768p resolution
  • 22000:1 contrast ratio
  • 3200 Lumens brightness
  • 10000 hours of lamp life
  • 120 inches projection display from 8.2 feet away
  • 0.6 throw ratio
  • Built-in speakers
  • 5.5 pounds body weight
  • 4.08 x 12.44 x 8.98 inches body dimensions

Description

Not that there is any sort of biased opinion involved, but ViewSonic makes one of the best projectors that have amazing quality, which is why I have listed their products twice.

The projector has a super minimalistic design and doesn’t come with fancy clutters and is highly easy to set up and all you have to do is plug and play.

Moreover, the lamp source produces 3200 Lumens brightness which can be considered a fair intensity to withstand dim ambient lighting without any issue.

The throw distance is also reasonably short and with a ratio of 8-feet 2-inches, which projects screen specifications up to 120 inches that fit almost any wall or surface, making it highly feasible for golf simulators or any other games.

There are also integrated speakers, however, I didn’t find them as filling and sometimes felt a little low on producing reasonable output, but at such a price point, this is acceptable, if you look at other features.

However, there are no wireless connectivity options, so you have to work with the interfaces like HDMI, VGA, and USB ports to connect through wired cables to devices like Apple, desktops, and laptops.

In terms of price-to-value ratio, this device is perfect for anyone that is on a budget that doesn’t want to break the bank, because it has little to no flaws with outstanding quality picture output.

Moreover, the eco mode also lets you prolong your lamp life up to 10000 hours which also cuts back on your electricity bills and generates less heat to prevent hardware throttling.

And if you are living in the United States, you also get a 3-year limited-time warranty, as well as 1-year lamp servicing, so you can ease your mind about regular maintenance costs.

Pros

  • Gorgeous display output
  • Flawless design quality
  • Very eco friendly

Cons

  • The sound quality is a little weak

7: Epson Epiqvision Ultra Smart Laser Projector

Key Features

  • 4096 x 2160p resolution
  • 1500000: 1 contrast ratio
  • 3600 Lumens brightness
  • Laser light source
  • 120 inches projection display
  • Built-in speakers
  • 15.9 punds body weight
  • 18.4 x 5.9 x 5.7 inches body dimensions

Description

Last but not least pick is our Epson Epiqvision projector, which is not only super light but also has a Laser Light source, which sets it apart from other projectors.

The laser light source produces gorgeous colors which are super crisp and very true to the tone and the screen size can reach up to 120 inches which is more than enough to cover a tightly packed room.

The projector supports all sorts of connectivity, such as Wi-Fi support and Bluetooth, so it can be connected to almost any device such as Android And IOS with a click of a button and with no input lag.

All thanks to the 3-Chip 3LCD laser light source, which emulates 3600 lumens and can proudly withstand even brightly lit rooms without any issues, without having rainbow or chrome aberrations.

The 1,500,000: 1 gives the projector an upper hand in terms of color and quality of image output and no matter how much you zoom the image, it will not pixelate.

The built-in sound system is tuned by YAMAHA with its sound 2.1 technology, which ensures you get the best auditory sensation you deserve without any compromise.

And for connectivity, this laser projector is armed with the latest Wi-Fi technology which enables you to connect to devices like Apple TV, Android, IOS, and gaming consoles.

Pros

  • Massive contrast ratio
  • Top-tier Audio system
  • Very high brightness aspect

Cons

  • Doesn’t support 3D images

Which features are important in a good golf simulator projector

You are spending a good amount of money on buying a golf simulator, so you need to make sure that the projector you are using is up to the mark and has all the features which are important for a good golf simulator experience. That’s why I have made a list of all the features which you should look for while buying a projector for your golf simulator.

Throw Distance & Throw Ratio

The first and most important thing to look for is the throw distance and throw ratio of the projector. The throw distance is the distance between the projector and the screen. The throw ratio is the width of the image divided by the distance between the projector and the screen.

A short-throw projector is ideal for a golf simulator because it doesn’t take up a lot of space and you can easily place it just a few feet away from the screen.

What you need to look for is a projector with a short-throw ratio (0.5-1.2) and a short-throw distance (1-2 feet). This will ensure that the projector can project a large image onto the screen without taking up too much space.

Lumens

The next thing to look for is the lumens rating of the projector. The higher the lumens, the brighter the projector will be. This is important because you want the image to be bright enough so that you can see it clearly, even in a well-lit room.

Ideally, you should look for a projector with a lumens rating of 3000 or higher. This will ensure that the image is bright enough to see even in a room with the lights on.

Resolution & Aspect Ratio

The resolution is the number of pixels that make up the image. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image will be. The aspect ratio is the width of the image divided by the height.

For a golf simulator, you want a projector with a high resolution (1080p or higher) and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This will ensure that the image is sharp and clear, with no blurriness or pixelation.

Frame Rate

The frame rate is the number of times per second that the image is refreshed. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the image will be.

For a golf simulator, you want a projector with a high frame rate (60fps or higher). This will ensure that the image is smooth and realistic, with no lag or stuttering

Contrast Ratio

The contrast ratio is the difference between the darkest black and the lightest white. The higher the contrast ratio, the greater the range of colors that the projector can display.

For a golf simulator, you want a projector with a high contrast ratio (3000:1 or higher). This will ensure that the image is rich and vibrant, with deep blacks and bright whites.

HDMI connectivity

HDMI is the standard for digital video and audio. It is important to look for a projector with HDMI connectivity because it will allow you to connect the projector to your computer or gaming console.

You should look for a projector with HDMI 2.0 or higher. This will ensure that the projector can handle high-resolution video and audio.

Types of projector setups 

We are now at the very last part, which is to decide on the type of projector setup you want for your golf simulator. Why it is important? Because the type of projector you choose will determine how easy or difficult it is to set up your golf simulator. And believe me, you do not want to be struggling with the installation process when all you want to do is to tee off.

There are 3 main types of projector setups for a golf simulator:

1. Front Projection

2. Rear Projection

3. Ceiling Mounted Projection

Font Projection

Front projection is the most common type of projector setup for a golf simulator. It is also the easiest to set up. all you need is to place the projector in front of the screen and you are good to go.

Rear Projection

Rear projection is less common but it is not much more difficult to set up than front projection. all you need to do is to place the projector behind the screen.

Ceiling Mounted

Ceiling mounted projection is the most difficult to set up but it has the advantage of being out of the way. all you need to do is to mount the projector to the ceiling and then position the screen underneath it.

FAQs

Before we wrap up here are some questions regarding Best Short Throw Projector For Golf Simulator.

Q: What are the benefits of using a short-throw projector for a golf simulator?

A: A short throw projector has many benefits for a golf simulator. It is easy to set up, it does not take up much space, and it can provide a large and clear image.

Q: Should I use a short-throw or long-throw projector for my golf simulator?

A: It depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want an easy-to-set-up and space-saving projector, then go for a short throw. If you want a projector with a larger image, then go for a long throw.

Q: Do I need a special screen for my golf simulator?

A: No, you do not need a special screen for your golf simulator. You can use any white surface as a screen. However, if you want a more realistic experience, then you can buy a special golf simulator screen.

Q: Is there any disadvantages to using a short-throw projector for my golf simulator?

A: One of the disadvantages of using a short-throw projector is that it can be more expensive than a long-throw projector. However, the benefits usually outweigh the cost.

Final word

None of these reviews written in this article has been exaggerated in any way shape or form and all the products mentioned in the list are carefully chosen based on their performance and price-to-value ratio.

And honestly speaking, I believe my list selection has one of the best short throw projector for golf simulator you can ever find on the internet. That being said you can blindly put your trust and pick any of the products on the list, and you wouldn’t be disappointed, trust me.

Feel free to comment below if you have any queries, and kindly let me know what you think.

As the creator and sole writer of ProjectorTime.com, I specialize in researching and writing about the latest projectors, providing unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. I also address projector-related questions and offer solutions to common issues.

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