With the right technology, you can hit the virtual links rain or shine

Golf is one of the world's most played sports, and it's only getting more converts. It became an especially popular pastime during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, during which people were desperate for safe outdoor spaces, and that momentum has continued to rise. According to a report from the PGA Tour, about one in seven Americans played golf in 2022.

Improvement only happens with practice, but it's not always practical to go out onto the green. Work, weather, and family obligations eat up leisure time. The good news is that it’s easier than you think to bring your game indoors. Here’s how to find everything you need to bring the green to you, including golf simulator projectors, hit screens, and safety enclosures.

What are golf simulator projectors?

A golf simulator projector lets you play "virtual" golf indoors with an enclosure and an impact screen. You tee off from your hitting mat the same way you tee off on a regular course. The simulator measures the strength and angle of your swing, and your ball reacts accordingly on the screen. Just like in real life, you’ll need to select the right club for your shot, consider the wind direction, and make tricky putts. The only thing missing is the steps you’d take walking (or carting) from hole to hole.

So why use a similar instead of the real thing? Nothing's better than a round of golf on a carefree, sunny day, but life rarely sets you up for that perfect golfing moment. Rather than wait for clear weather or a clear schedule, you can practice at home with the aid of a good projector. That's all it takes to play through 18 holes of world-famous courses any time the mood strikes.

Golf simulators are also a smart investment for frequent golfers. Course fees, club memberships, and equipment rentals are costly. Some of the more extravagant courses in the United States charge hundreds of dollars for a round. And paying club membership fees could mean you're spending hard-earned money on a service you don't get to use as much as you'd like to. Golf simulators let you get more practice in for less money, so when you’re on real-world courses, you can really make that time count.

Did You Know?:Ricoh’s patented projection lens technology is used in over 20% of the projectors on the market today. Click here to learn more about our projector line.

What equipment do I need to build a golf simulator?

A number of components go into creating a golf simulator, and the price of construction varies according to the cost of the items you use. You can expect to put anywhere from $1,000 to over $30,000 into your golf simulator depending on how closely you want it to mimic the real thing:

• Golf simulator projector: The best projectors for golf simulators have high lumen counts and crystal-clear image projection, ideally in a compact frame that won’t take up too much space.
• Launch monitor: Launch monitors are the technology responsible for calculating your simulator performance. They can be the most costly part of a golf simulator assembly because they use sensitive technology like infrared to observe how you hit the ball and determine how it would travel based on your swing. High-end launch monitors really get into the nitty-gritty of golf physics, even providing insights to help you improve your stroke.
• Screen enclosure or net: A rogue golf ball in the house can do a lot of damage, which makes nets and enclosures mandatory for golf simulators. To make this part easier, look for golf-specific projector screens with built-in netting.
• Software: Golf simulator software runs on your computer or tablet. It lets you visit virtual golf courses and sometimes play with other golfers online. Basic software with smaller course libraries is relatively inexpensive, making that a good starting point for newcomers. Advanced players can invest in high-end software that features enormous course libraries and other pro features.

Did You Know?:The RICOH Short Throw Laser Projector PJ WUL5A40ST offers superior image quality for more true-to-life courses. Click here to find out more.

Our recommendation: Ricoh Projectors

If you're looking for a high-quality golf simulator projector to create the virtual course of your dreams, Ricoh’s lineup fits the bill. The 5,200-lumen RICOH Compact Laser Projector PJ WUL5A50 offers stunning image quality thanks to its sophisticated 3LCD projection system and Ricoh's projection lens technology, all with a compact size that easily fits and installs in a range of spaces.

Meanwhile, the RICOH Short Throw Laser Projector PJ WUL5A40ST pairs the same Ricoh lens technology and 3LCD projection with capabilities meant for use in more confined spaces — creating displays of 55 to 150 inches from a distance of just 1.4 to 4.8 feet away. It’s a great choice for rooms with lower ceilings or where space is otherwise at a premium.

Click here to learn more or shop the rest of Ricoh’s projector line.

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