Safety Warning: Indoor golf carries risks. Please read our Full Safety Disclaimer before building.
There is a moment of panic every DIY simulator builder faces.
You have the enclosure built. The PC is running. You are holding a $1,500 projector, staring at your ceiling, and wondering: “Where exactly do I drill the holes?”
Get it wrong by six inches, and your image spills onto the wall. Get it wrong by two feet, and you cast a giant shadow of your head on the screen every time you address the ball.
Welcome to “Projector Math.” It’s confusing, boring, and high-stakes.
So, we did the math for you.
This guide contains the exact mounting distances for the three best golf simulator projectors on the market in 2025. No calculator required.
(Note: If you want a custom calculation for your specific room size, use our Interactive Projector Calculator).
The “Short Throw” Rule (Read This First)
If you are building in a garage or spare bedroom, you cannot use a standard home theater projector.
Standard projectors have a “Long Throw.” To fill a 10-foot screen, they need to be mounted 15+ feet back.
- The Problem: You stand about 9-10 feet from the screen.
- The Result: The projector is behind you. Your body blocks the light. You cast a shadow.
You need a Short Throw projector. These mount in front of you (between you and the screen), or directly above your head, ensuring a shadow-free image.
The Top 3 Contenders
We have standardized this guide around the three most popular units available on Amazon right now.
1. The 4K Gamer: BenQ TK700STi
- The Tech: True 4K Resolution, 3000 Lumens, Android TV built-in.
- Why it wins: This is the “Gateway” into 4K golf. It’s bright enough for garages, handles GSPro graphics beautifully, and costs significantly less than the commercial laser units.
- Check Price for BenQ TK700STi
2. The Laser Workhorse: Optoma GT1090HDR
- The Tech: 1080p, Laser Light Source (No bulbs to replace), 4200 Lumens.
- Why it wins: It has an ultra-short 0.50 throw ratio. It mounts very close to the screen, making it perfect for tight rooms where you don’t have much depth.
- Check Price for Optoma GT1090HDR
3. The Budget King: BenQ TH671ST
- The Tech: 1080p, Lamp-based, 3000 Lumens.
- Why it wins: It’s often under $1,000. It’s the entry-level champion that gets you golfing this weekend without breaking the bank.
- Check Price for BenQ TH671ST
The “Cheat Sheet” Mounting Table
Find your Screen Width in the left column. The other columns tell you exactly how far the Projector Lens should be from the Screen Surface.
(Note: These calculations assume a standard 4:3 Aspect Ratio screen).
| Screen Width | BenQ TK700STi (4K) | Optoma GT1090HDR (Laser) | BenQ TH671ST (Budget) |
| 8 Feet Wide | 6ft 6in – 7ft 10in | 4ft 0in (Fixed) | 5ft 6in – 6ft 7in |
| 9 Feet Wide | 7ft 4in – 8ft 10in | 4ft 6in (Fixed) | 6ft 2in – 7ft 5in |
| 10 Feet Wide | 8ft 2in – 9ft 9in | 5ft 0in (Fixed) | 6ft 10in – 8ft 3in |
| 12 Feet Wide | 9ft 9in – 11ft 9in | 6ft 0in (Fixed) | 8ft 3in – 9ft 11in |
How to Read This Table:
- Range (e.g., 8ft – 9ft): The BenQ TK700STi has a “Zoom” ring. You can mount the projector anywhere within that range and use the dial to fine-tune the image size. This is a huge stress reliever during installation.
- Fixed (e.g., 5ft 0in): The Optoma has no optical zoom. You must mount it at exactly that distance to fill the width. Measure twice, drill once.
The “Danger Zone” Warning
There is a hidden risk with Short Throw projectors: The Follow-Through.
Look at the table again.
If you have a 10-foot wide screen, the Optoma GT1090HDR mounts just 5 feet from the screen.
- The Risk: If you are a tall golfer with a high follow-through, and you are standing 9 feet from the screen… that projector is 4 feet in front of you. You are safe.
- The BenQ Risk: At 10 feet wide, the BenQ units mount at roughly 8 to 9 feet. If you tee up at 8 feet… that projector is directly above your head.
Lab Recommendation:
If you have low ceilings (under 9ft) and a steep swing, check your clearance. Swing a club and see where the head goes.
- Safer Bet: The Optoma GT1090HDR sits much closer to the screen, keeping it far away from your driver swing.
4K vs. 1080p: Is It Worth It?
We get this question daily. “Do I really need 4K for a golf simulator?”
The Answer: It depends on your software.
- If you use GSPro or E6 Connect (4K capable):
- Yes. 4K is stunning. You can see the grain on the greens and read the tiny numbers on the data tiles without squinting. If you have the budget for the BenQ TK700STi, do it.
- If you use an iPad / Mevo+ App / Garmin App:
- No. Those apps output 1080p graphics. A 4K projector will just upscale a blurry image. Save your money and buy the budget BenQ TH671ST.
Summary: The Lab Verdict
- Best for 4K / GSPro: BenQ TK700STi. It’s the easiest way to get 8 million pixels on your screen without spending $4,000.
- Best for Tight Spaces: Optoma GT1090HDR. The laser lasts forever, and the ultra-short throw saves you from shadows.
- Best for Budget: BenQ TH671ST. It’s cheap, it works, and it gets you golfing fast.