Best Short-Throw Projectors for Golf Simulators

Short-throw projectors usually make the most sense for golf simulators because they let you place the projector closer to the screen and farther from the golfer’s swing path. That is not a minor convenience. It is one of the biggest reasons a projector-based simulator feels usable rather than annoying.

The right short-throw projector depends on how polished you want the room to feel, how bright the space is, and whether you are building a true impact-screen bay or just trying to upgrade from a simpler TV-first setup.

What matters most

• Throw ratio: this is the whole reason the category exists. Golf rooms benefit from a projector that can sit closer to the screen.
• Brightness: brighter rooms, lighter garages, and larger screens push you toward higher-lumen models.
• Mounting and setup features: golf-specific setup tools are more useful here than flashy home-theater extras.
• Resolution and room goals: 1080p is often enough. 4K becomes more compelling when the room is already polished and the budget is higher.

Best overall: BenQ AH700ST

The AH700ST is one of the easiest projector recommendations for a golf sim because BenQ designed it specifically around simulator setup. BenQ lists a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio, 4000 lumens, golf-specific picture handling, and setup tools aimed at getting the image filled quickly without the room turning into a calibration project.

Buy this if: you want a golf-specific projector that balances brightness, setup ease, and value well.

Skip this if: you are not ready for a projector yet or you want to pay up for 4K rather than a strong golf-first 1080p option.

Best 4K upgrade: BenQ AK700ST

The AK700ST is the “pay up for the nicer room” pick. BenQ positions it as a dedicated golf projector with 4K resolution, a 0.69–0.83 short-throw ratio, 4000 lumens, and Auto Screen Fit tools. This is the kind of projector that makes more sense once the room, screen, and overall build already deserve it.

Buy this if: you want a more polished simulator room and care about the visual step up enough to justify it.

Skip this if: the room is still evolving or you are still making first-pass budget decisions.

Best value laser option: Optoma GT2000HDR

The GT2000HDR is an appealing value-style short-throw option when you want laser convenience and short-throw placement without jumping straight into golf-specific premium pricing. Optoma markets it around short-throw placement, laser light source, and brighter-room usability. It makes the most sense for buyers who already know the room fit and do not need every golf-specific setup aid.

When short-throw is worth paying for

• Your simulator bay is built around an impact screen and projector from day one.
• You want the projector safely behind the golfer rather than creating shadow or swing-path headaches.
• You are building a more permanent room, not a low-commitment starter setup.

When it is not the right first upgrade

• You are still using a net and a side TV.
• You have not locked down enclosure size, screen size, or mount position yet.
• The launch monitor and mat still need money first.

Bottom line

Short-throw projectors are usually the right type of projector for golf simulators, but they are still not always the right next purchase. Buy one when the room is truly ready for a projector-based build. Until then, spend on the parts that will change the day-to-day setup more.