Indoor golf simulators are neither simple nor cheap to set up, WIRED reported in a new review. A typical build starts with a home cinema projector, plus a wide, open space for swinging clubs, a backdrop with netting, and a gaming laptop or desktop to run the software. WIRED contributor John Brandon set out to see whether an affordable projector could deliver the same experience at a fraction of the cost.
A Budget Driving Range Built Around a Short-Throw Projector
Brandon accomplished his goal by building the setup around the Optoma GT2400HDR short-throw projector, according to WIRED. He skipped the most expensive components, such as the backdrop and the clubs, and instead reused a gaming laptop and controller he already owned. He played EA Sports PGA Tour, which is included with his PC Game Pass Ultimate account, using an Xbox controller on a 100-inch projected screen.
Optoma describes the GT2400HDR as a laser-based short-throw projector designed for gaming, entertainment, and golf simulation, WIRED reported. It can project a screen size from 30 to 300 inches at Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution.
While the projector isn't a bad option for playing golf at home on the cheap, it's not ideal for watching movies and TV shows.
Performance Trade-Offs: Strong on the Fairway, Weak in the Living Room
WIRED's review highlighted several limitations. The projector is not a bad option for playing golf at home on the cheap, but it is not ideal for watching movies and TV shows. It also struggles with high-octane games, and it does not include a smart TV platform, meaning users need an external streaming device.
For an indoor driving range, cost was the primary goal. Brandon planned to keep expenses low by using his existing Xbox controller with a gaming laptop, rather than investing in a dedicated golf simulator setup. WIRED noted that for a golf game, users can get by with a midrange computer or even use a golf sim app on an iPad. To do that, the iPad needs to cast to a device supporting AirPlay or connect through HDMI via an adapter.
Specifications and Compatibility at a Glance
The table below summarizes the key facts from WIRED's review of the Optoma GT2400HDR.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Projector model | Optoma GT2400HDR |
| Light source | Laser-based short-throw |
| Resolution | Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| Screen size range | 30 to 300 inches |
| Designed for | Gaming, entertainment, golf simulation |
| Tested screen size | 100 inches |
| Gaming setup | Xbox controller + gaming laptop + EA Sports PGA Tour |
| Golf app alternative | iPad with AirPlay casting or HDMI adapter |
| Smart TV platform | Not included |
What the Review Means for Technology Buyers
For enterprise technology decision-makers, WIRED's hands-on test illustrates a broader procurement principle: specialized hardware can deliver dramatic cost savings in a single use case while requiring compromise elsewhere. The Optoma GT2400HDR excels at its niche — low-cost indoor golf simulation — but falls short for general-purpose home entertainment use. The lack of a smart TV platform and weak performance with fast-moving content mean organizations evaluating the projector for multi-purpose AV use would need to pair it with additional streaming hardware and accept its limitations in high-motion scenes. The trade-off is clear: a device optimized for one job can often beat a generalist on price, but expect to manage the gaps for everything else.
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