Short Throw vs. Ultra Short Throw: Choosing the Right Projector for Your Golf Simulator
Virtual Tee Team
Achieving Immersive Visuals: The Projector Decision
You’ve decided to invest in a luxury home golf simulator—a space where you can perfect your swing and play legendary courses year-round. While components like the launch monitor and impact screen are crucial, the projector is what transforms your setup from a practice bay into a truly immersive experience. The choice between a short throw (ST) and an ultra-short throw (UST) projector is one of the most important decisions you'll make, directly impacting image quality, room layout, and overall realism. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you select the perfect visual centerpiece for your simulator. For a broader overview of system planning, our comprehensive golf simulators guide is a helpful resource.
First, What is Throw Ratio?
Before comparing models, it's essential to understand "throw ratio." This term defines the relationship between the projector's distance from the screen and the width of the image it produces. The formula is: Throw Ratio = Distance / Width. A lower throw ratio means the projector can create a large image from a very short distance. This single specification is the primary differentiator between ST and UST projectors and is critical for designing a golf simulator where space is a premium and shadows are the enemy. You can also explore our in-depth breakdown in how to choose the perfect projector for your golf simulator.
The Case for a Short Throw (ST) Projector
Short throw projectors are the most common choice for home and commercial golf simulators. They typically have a throw ratio between 0.4:1 and 1.0:1, meaning they can be placed just a few feet away from the impact screen. For example, a projector with a 0.7:1 throw ratio projecting a 12-foot wide image would need to be placed 8.4 feet away.
Advantages of Short Throw Projectors:
- Mounting Flexibility: The ideal placement for an ST projector is typically on the ceiling, mounted above and slightly behind the hitting area. This position keeps the hardware safely out of your swing path and significantly reduces the chance of casting a shadow on the screen.
- Image Quality and Cost: ST projectors offer an excellent balance of performance and price. Models like the BenQ TK700STi deliver stunning 4K resolution and high brightness, ensuring your virtual courses look crisp and vibrant without breaking the bank.
- Wide Selection: The market for short throw projectors is mature, offering a vast array of options in terms of brightness (lumens), resolution, and features to fit any budget and room condition.
Potential Considerations:
The primary consideration is shadow interference. While a proper ceiling mount minimizes this, incorrect placement can lead to your shadow or the club's shadow appearing on the screen during your swing. This requires careful planning, which is where professional installation becomes invaluable.
The Advantage of an Ultra-Short Throw (UST) Projector
Ultra-short throw projectors represent a more specialized solution, boasting a throw ratio of less than 0.4:1. These units are designed to be placed just inches from the screen, either on the floor in a protective housing or mounted directly overhead. This proximity is their defining feature and greatest strength.
Advantages of Ultra-Short Throw Projectors:
- Virtually No Shadows: Because the projector is so close to the screen and the light path is so steep, it's nearly impossible for a golfer to step between the lens and the screen. This completely eliminates shadow interference, providing a seamless and professional playing experience.
- Ideal for Compact Spaces: If your room has lower ceilings or limited depth, a UST projector is a game-changer. It removes the need to find a ceiling mount location far behind the hitting zone, making it perfect for challenging installations like a custom basement golf simulator.
- Sleek and Unobtrusive: A floor-mounted UST projector housed in a custom enclosure creates a very clean, minimalist aesthetic with no visible hardware overhead. High-end models like the Optoma UHZ35ST provide brilliant 4K visuals from an incredibly short distance.
Potential Considerations:
UST projectors are generally more expensive. They are also highly sensitive to screen surface imperfections; the extreme projection angle can magnify even the slightest wave or wrinkle in the screen. Therefore, they must be paired with a high-quality, perfectly flat, tensioned impact screen like those found in our Premium Screen setups.
ST vs. UST Projectors: At a Glance
| Feature | Short Throw (ST) | Ultra-Short Throw (UST) |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Distance | 4-10 feet from screen | 4 inches - 4 feet from screen |
| Shadow Risk | Low (with proper mounting) | Virtually None |
| Ideal Space | Rooms with adequate depth and ceiling height | Compact rooms or low ceilings |
| Cost | More budget-friendly | Higher initial investment |
| Screen Requirement | Works well with most high-quality impact screens | Requires a perfectly flat, tensioned surface |
Professional Installation for a Perfect Picture, Nationwide
Choosing the right projector is only half the battle; perfect installation is key to unlocking its full potential. At Virtual Tee Systems, we handle every detail, from calculating the precise mounting location to calibrating the image for a flawless fit. Our expertise ensures that no matter where you are in the United States, your simulator will be a masterpiece of design and technology. We can transform any space, from an airplane hangar in Oregon to a basement in Virginia. Our professionally installed systems can include industry-leading technologies such as Trackman and Foresight, ensuring a complete full-service experience tailored to your space and performance goals.
Ready to Design Your Ultimate Golf Experience?
The perfect shot begins with the perfect picture. Let our experts guide you in selecting and installing the ideal projector and simulator components for your space.
Get a Custom QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Q: How many lumens do I need for my golf simulator projector?
A: For a room with controlled lighting, 3,000 lumens is a great starting point. If your simulator is in a brighter space with ambient light you can't eliminate, consider a projector with 4,000 to 5,000 lumens or more to ensure the image remains vibrant and isn't washed out.
Q: Is 4K resolution necessary for a golf simulator?
A: While 1080p (Full HD) provides a good experience, 4K resolution offers four times the detail, creating a dramatically more realistic and immersive view. For those seeking the ultimate in visual fidelity to see every subtle contour of the fairway and green, 4K projectors like the BenQ LK936ST are highly recommended.
Q: Can I use any wall as a screen for an ultra-short throw projector?
A: It's not recommended. UST projectors cast light at a very steep angle, which will highlight any texture, bumps, or imperfections on a standard wall, distorting the image. To achieve a crisp, uniform picture, a specialized, perfectly flat screen surface is essential.
Q: Does Virtual Tee Systems help me select all the components for my simulator?
A: Absolutely. We provide expert consultation from start to finish. We help you choose the best launch monitor, enclosure, hitting surfaces, and projector for your specific goals, space, and budget to create a fully integrated, high-performance custom golf simulator.