How Much Does a Golf Simulator Projector Cost?

For most home golf simulation set-ups, there is a limited ceiling height and room space so, to get a large image, you will want to look at a “short throw” projector. This will help you mount the projector in a location that has an unobstructed path to the screen – but far enough away to avoid being hit by your driver. Short throw projectors are slightly more expensive than regular throw projectors, but pay for themselves by making them easy to place in your simulation set-up.

For commercial applications with larger spaces, you may want to consider a high-brightness regular throw-laser projector mounted well above and behind the hitting area, so that players don’t block the image.

While TVs and monitors typically come in only 1080p or 4K, selecting the right resolution for your golf simulator is one of the biggest choices for your investment. Why? A home golf simulator projector will display the course on a large impact screen – typically 150 inches or larger. The larger your screen, the more important resolution is to enable an immersive experience. This is especially important on 4K enabled Foresight, TruGolf and other simulators that enable putting. Here are the common resolutions you should consider for your golf simulator.

4K or UHD resolution

Many of the most popular simulators can create a 4K image, making the most realistic and immersive experience possible, especially on a larger impact screen. A true UHD 4K projector can display each one of these on the screen, enabling you to see every detail of the course. The good news: depending on how bright a projector you need, you can get a 4K UHD short throw projector for under €1800, and a 5000 lumen high-brightness laser projector for under €4500. Another benefit of the 4K is that it will enable your impact screen to double as an amazing home theatre for movies, or for watching the Masters in true 4K resolution.

WUXGA resolution

This is a popular resolution for laser projectors used for golf simulators, until affordable 4K projectors became available. They have higher resolution than 1080p projectors (2.3 million pixels) and 4000 or 5000 lumens of brightness; laser-based models cost under €4500. This is more than enough brightness for a well-lit room for a golf sim set-up with curtains. The main drawback is that it’s not a native resolution for TV or movies, so if you are looking at using this as a home theatre or TV viewing room, you may want to consider moving up to UHD resolution.

1080p or full HD resolution

This is the most popular resolution for monitors, older televisions and displays over 2 million pixels on the screen. For projectors, there are lots of models that are under €900 to choose from for golf simulator set-ups, but since most of these models are designed for home theatres, you will want to make sure your projector is bright enough. Most lamp-based projectors generate only 2000–3000 lumens, but there are now 4000-lumen laser powered projectors at this resolution (and the right throw ratio) available for under €1300.

WXGA and XGA resolution

If you looking for an inexpensive projector or are space-constrained on the width of your image, a WXGA or XGA projector might be for you. Originally designed for classroom whiteboards, they are bright enough for golf simulators – and have the right throw ratios. These are the least expensive of them all, and while they display only 1 million pixels, you can find lamp projectors with a short-throw lens starting at around €550. But for a little bit more, you may want to consider a higher resolution, as the incremental cost for 1 million more pixels is usually worth it.

BenQ introduced the first laser projector in 2011, and since then the cost of these have come down substantially. Is it worth the extra price for your home simulator? Here are the key differences between a lamp and a laser projector for golf simulators for you to consider.

Instant on/off

A laser projector switches on instantly – just like your TV – and doesn’t require a warm-up period, as a traditional lamp. Laser projectors are ideal when you just want to drop in and hit a quick bucket of balls.

Replacement lamp costs

While projectors with traditional lamps are less expensive to purchase, the cost of replacement lamps – and the hassle of installing them – is something to consider. Higher lumen 5000-lumen golf simulator projectors that use regular lamps have shorter lamp life, and are more expensive to replace than traditional home theatre lamps. For example, one popular golf simulation 5000-lumen projector model has a replacement lamp cost of €300, which adds up to €1200 over the life of the projector. While laser projectors have a higher initial cost, they are rated for 20,000 hours, which is a lot of hassle-free course time.

Compared to the cost of the camera and impact screen, a projector is one of the less expensive components. Nevertheless, it can make a big difference in how your simulator looks and plays, or what part of the room is used for watching Tin Cup, live or recorded tournaments, and streaming golf content when you are not playing. Here is a breakdown of the features of models you may want to consider that have the right throw ratios for golf simulation placement.