How Much Does a Golf Simulator Projector Cost in 2024?

If you are thinking about converting a spare bedroom or your basement into St. Andrews or Torrey Pines – you are not alone. According to Forbes, over 6 million Americans hit golf balls on a simulator last year. Golf sim systems use a projector to deliver an immersive experience of nearly any golf course you want.  These projectors can cost from $400 to $4000 depending on the features you want for your room. 

Which model is right for your setup – and budget? This article will help you break down how much a good golf simulator projector will cost – including the ones using the latest LED and laser light technology. Here are three key factors to consider:

• Brightness - what to look for and what to avoid
• Cost difference between lamp, laser, and LED powered golf simulation projectors
• 
  Color performance
• What is the right “throw ratio” needed for home golf simulator roomsU
• How much do higher resolution projectors cost?

One of the most common questions when looking into projectors is brightness.  Unlike a TV, the brightness of a projector varies from model to model. Tempted by that “9000 lumen”  projector for $79 on your favorite online site?  Don’t be.   Quality golf simulation projectors use “ANSI lumens”, and 2500 ANSI lumens is a good place to start for a smaller setup while larger installations usually use 4000 - 5500 ANSI lumen projectors. 

Only a few years ago, nearly all golf simulation projectors used mercury lamps.  These models are less expensive to buy but require replacement bulbs over time. Traditional lamp projectors typically cost between $500 - $1000. In 2024, many of these models are being replaced by LED projectors that offer similar brightness – but have much better color performance, longer lamp life, and typically cost between $800 - $1200. The most expensive – and brightest models -are powered by lasers. Laser projectors range between $1500 - $5000 depending on the other factors below.  

Most mercury lamp projectors were not designed for color accuracy. However, the newer projectors in 2024 that use either LED or laser technology now have specified Rec. 709 color accuracy – the same color accuracy standard used in televisions. If you are investing in one of the newer golf simulation course packages, then you will want to look for this specification, especially compared to a traditional classroom or meeting room projector that are only designed for brightness. These may cost a little more – but can properly show the differences between bermuda, poa, and fescue grasses on your screen for maximum realism.

For most home golf simulation setups, there is a limited ceiling height and room space, so to get a large and immersive image without having the golfer create a shadow on the screen, 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 more expensive than regular throw projectors but pay for themselves by making them easy to place in your simulation setup. 

The throw ratio of a projector is found on the specification page, but you can also use tools like the BenQ golf simulation planning tool to see how the different throw ratios on various models will enable you to place your projector in the right spot – without a shadow. Here is an example of how a short throw projector might work when set up in a garage on a small 8-foot-high screen.

Compared to the cost of the camera and impact screen, a projector is one of the less expensive components – but can make a big difference in how your simulator looks, plays – and how much 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 cost and features of models you may want to consider that have the right throw ratios for golf simulation placement and an estimated cost. Note that many of these models may have special pricing or promotions, so check with us or your reseller for the latest price.

BenQ has trained staff to help you find the perfect golf simulator projector – within your room size and budget. To help you make the best decision, you can reach out to one of our experts to set up anything from a chat to a complete online demo, to help you find the right projector for your needs.