In this guide 7 sections
Most garage simulators need a short-throw projector (0.5-0.8 throw ratio) because standard projectors require 10+ feet of throw distance most rooms do not have. Our top pick: the Garmin Approach R10 (~$599).
Our #1 Pick: ~$799 at Amazon — Check Today's Price ↗Read the full guide below for all 3 products tested.
The projector distance formula for golf simulators: multiply your screen width in feet by your projector throw ratio. A 10-foot screen with a 0.5 throw ratio projector needs 5 feet of clearance behind the hitting position. Most garage setups work best with a short-throw projector (0.4 to 0.6 ratio) mounted on the ceiling 4 to 6 feet from the screen. Use the calculator below to find your exact distance. Your projector needs to sit a specific distance from the screen to fill it with the right image size. Too close and the image overflows. Too far and the image is too small. This calculator tells you exactly which projector type fits your room.
📋 Update Log — last updated 2026-05-17 ▼
| Buy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ TH671ST (Ultra Short) | Small rooms | ~$799 | 0.2-0.4 | ~$799 → |
| Optoma GT1090 (Short Throw) BEST PICK | Most garages | ~$1,099 | 0.5-0.8 | ~$1,099 → |
| BenQ TK850 (Standard) | Large rooms | Check price | 1.0-2.0 | Check price → |
What Is Throw Ratio and Why It Matters
Throw ratio = distance from projector to screen / screen width. A throw ratio of 0.5 means the projector sits at 50% of the screen width. For a 10-foot wide screen, a 0.5 throw ratio projector sits 5 feet away.
Most garage simulators use 8-10 foot wide screens. Standard projectors need 10-15 feet of distance — more depth than most garages have after accounting for the hitting area. That is why short-throw projectors (0.5-0.8 ratio) are the standard for golf simulators.
Quick Reference Table
| Screen Width | Short Throw (0.5) | Short Throw (0.8) | Standard (1.5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 4 ft | 6.4 ft | 12 ft |
| 9 ft | 4.5 ft | 7.2 ft | 13.5 ft |
| 10 ft | 5 ft | 8 ft | 15 ft |
| 12 ft | 6 ft | 9.6 ft | 18 ft |
If your room is under 12 feet deep after the hitting area, you need a short-throw projector. See our projector buying guide for specific models.
Our Recommended Projectors
Best short-throw for golf: BenQ TH671ST ($599) — 0.69 throw ratio, 3,000 lumens, 1080p. The most popular simulator projector. See our full projector review.
Best ultra-short-throw: BenQ V5000i ($1,699) — sits inches from the screen. Best for rooms under 10 feet deep.
Best budget: Optoma GT1080HDRx ($549) — 0.50 throw ratio. Widest image from shortest distance.
Ceiling Mount vs Floor vs Shelf
Ceiling mount is ideal — keeps the projector out of the swing path and provides the best image angle. Most short-throw projectors have keystone correction for angled mounting.
Floor mount works but the projector may be in the swing path for tall golfers. Use a low shelf behind the hitting position.
Shelf mount is the easiest DIY option. Mount a shelf on the back wall at 7 feet high and point the projector forward. Most simulators use this approach.
Short Throw vs Ultra Short Throw
Lumens and Brightness for Garage Simulators
Who Should Buy This — And Who Should Skip It
- Simulator builders choosing a projector
- Anyone confused by throw ratios
- Net-only setups (no projector needed)
🏌️ Gear That Helps With This
🎯 Our Recommended Gear
BenQ TH671ST Projector
~$799 — the product we use and recommend for this topic.
🎯 Gear that helps with this
Every recommendation is independently purchased and tested over 40+ rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far should a projector be from a golf simulator screen?
What throw ratio do I need for a golf simulator?
Can I use any projector for a golf simulator?
⚖️ Still deciding between two?
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