The keys to placing a projector in a golf simulator are pretty simple: make sure it fills your screen, and make sure it stays out of danger.
Between room size, ceiling height, throw distance, shadows, swing paths, and the occasional wildly unpredictable golf shot, projector placement can turn into one of the most stressful parts of the build. It’s right up there with choosing a projector in the first place …or deciding where to eat with your significant other.
We can’t help you with dinner plans, but we can help you avoid mounting your projector in a spot that puts it at risk (or makes your sim harder to enjoy).
Below are the main projector placement options, what works well with each, and what to watch out for.
Before deciding where to mount your projector in a golf simulator, there are a few fundamentals that make every setup smoother:
If you know your projector’s throw distance and your screen size, a throw distance calculator can show you where the projector should go. The real challenge is choosing the best place it can go in your space.
Mounting a projector on the ceiling is one of the most popular options for a reason.
Why people like it:
Ideally, a ceiling-mounted projector sits directly behind the golfer, high enough that the backswing and follow-through never come close to it. Even if it’s technically “out of the way,” if it feels close, it can mess with a golfer’s confidence and change how they swing.
One big advantage of ceiling mounting behind the golfer is that the ball almost never reaches that area. If safety is your top priority, ceiling mounting is one of the safest placements.
Frame mounting works similarly to ceiling mounting, but instead of drilling into your ceiling, the projector attaches to the enclosure frame.
All the same placement rules apply: keep it behind the golfer, out of the swing path, and positioned to fill the screen without creating shadows.
Frame mounting also makes it easier to adjust or move the projector later, which is nice if you’re still dialing in your setup.
Floor mounting can work, but it comes with a few extra risks.
If you floor mount a projector behind the golfer, you’ll almost always get shadows. So most floor-mounted setups place the projector in front of the golfer, closer to the screen.
That solves the shadow problem, but introduces a new one: ball impact risk. Even good shots can rebound off the impact screen. Miss-hits can go anywhere. That’s why a protective enclosure is basically a must for floor-mounted projectors.
Pros of floor mounting:
Cons:
If you’re using a short-throw projector and have limited room depth, floor mounting can be a practical solution, just make sure the projector is protected.
Technically, you can place a projector on a table or rolling cart. Realistically, you probably shouldn’t in a golf simulator.
Tables and carts:
If it’s your only option, it can work, especially in temporary or multi-use spaces, but most golfers end up switching to a mounted solution later.
Here’s a simple decision flow that works for most setups:
Plug in your projector model and screen size to see the ideal distance. Here's our calculator.
If you see your head or club on the screen during practice swings, the projector is too low, too close, or in the wrong spot.
When in doubt, choose the placement that keeps the projector farthest from clubs and balls.
Once you know the right general location for your golf simulator projector, setup is mostly about alignment and sizing.
Start by powering it on and using the default image:
It’s usually easier to shrink an image than it is to stretch one. That’s why many people choose a projector based on screen height first, then adjust width afterward using resolution settings.
Sometimes your projector can’t be perfectly centered or level. That’s where image adjustment tools come in. Most projectors offer two main ways to correct alignment:
Keystone digitally reshapes the image if the projector is angled. It’s useful for quick adjustments, but heavy correction can slightly soften the picture.
Lens shift physically moves the image using the projector’s optics, letting you adjust image position without distorting it.
In general: use physical placement first, use lens shift if you have it, and use keystone for fine-tuning. The less digital correction you need, the better your image will look.
Read more about setting up a projector.
Once the projector is aligned, we need to get the computer settings right.
Projectors are heavier than they look. Make sure to use proper mounting gear. A shaky projector doesn’t just look bad, it makes the whole setup feel cheap.
There isn’t one perfect mounting solution for every golf simulator. But there is a best solution for your room.
If you can mount overhead, do it. If you need to floor mount, protect it. The goal is simple: keep your projector safe, your screen filled, and your swing uninterrupted.
When your setup feels natural and worry-free, you’ll enjoy the simulator more. — and probably play better, too.
Use a throw distance calculator, test with the projector powered on, and trust what your eyes (and swing) are telling you.