Yes, you can, and it’s easier than you think. With the right setup, your golf simulator screen can double as a massive TV. Whether it's Netflix, live sports, or YouTube, you can stream it all. Keep reading to find out how to do it right.
At the end of the day, your simulator screen works just like a big monitor.
It doesn’t care what’s playing, your swing data or Stranger Things, it’ll show whatever signal you send to it.
What really makes the difference is your projector and your input source.
And that’s where it gets fun.
Let’s clear up a big question: can you use any projector screen for a golf simulator? Technically yes, but if you’re hitting real golf balls, it’s a bad idea.
Regular screens aren’t made to take impact and will wear out fast.
You need an impact-rated screen, one that handles ball strikes and still gives you a clear, crisp image.
Then there’s the projector. As long as it’s high-resolution and bright enough, it’ll display whatever content your device sends. The real question is what device you’re plugging in.
If your PC or TV box can stream it, your golf simulator can show it. HDMI, DisplayPort, casting. Whatever works with your display setup will work with your simulator.
Golf simulator screens are content-agnostic. They just show what’s playing. That could be your favorite golf sim software, or the Premier League final.
Most golf simulators run on a PC. That PC can do a lot more than just analyze your swing.
You can stream, watch TV, or browse the web, all on the same screen.
This is the quick win. Open your browser, head to Netflix or YouTube, hit full screen, and enjoy.
No special software, no extra setup. Just sit back and watch between shots.
Want live channels like BBC or Sky Sports? Plug a USB TV tuner into your PC and install the right software.
With tools like NextPVR or Plex, you can watch and record live TV straight from your simulator setup.
The biggest perk? It all runs from one system. You can switch between golf mode and TV in a click, no need to juggle remotes or switch inputs.
Perfect for solo players or anyone who uses their simulator daily.
If you want to keep your golf PC focused on performance, you can plug in a separate streaming device.
This lets you run golf on one system and TV on another. Clean, fast, and organized.
You’ll need a way to flip between video sources. That’s where an HDMI switch or AV receiver comes in.
These devices let you plug multiple sources into one projector, and change between them with the press of a button.
Here’s how it works:
Plug your golf PC into HDMI port 1
Plug your Sky box, Apple TV, or Roku into HDMI port 2
Run the output to your projector
Use the switch to toggle between sources
No unplugging, no mess, just press and play.
Connect both devices to your HDMI switch
Connect the switch’s output to your projector
If needed, run sound to a speaker system or soundbar
Label your sources so switching is seamless
It’s a clean, future-proof way to manage multiple devices.
By separating TV and golf, you avoid software crashes, lag, or performance dips. Your sim PC stays focused on your swing, and your media device handles the fun stuff.
It’s the ideal setup for busy households or frequent players.
Now that TV works on your sim, why not go all in?
Let’s talk about how to turn your setup into the ultimate golf simulator theater room combo.
Some projectors and AV receivers support picture-in-picture mode. This means you can have the golf course full screen, and a small window playing the match in the corner.
Perfect for watching football while working on your short game.
Add a surround sound system, and your simulator becomes a theater.
Position rear speakers behind you, front speakers near the screen, and use a subwoofer for deep bass. Whether it’s the crack of a drive or a movie explosion, you’ll feel it.
Most golf sims use a 4:3 ratio. But TV and movies are in 16:9. What do you do?
Choose a 16:9 projector and let the simulator software pillar-box the display (add black bars on the sides).
This way, your setup looks great for both golf and entertainment.
Let’s cover some quick answers to questions we hear all the time.
Use an AV receiver to route sound automatically. Or, if your projector supports ARC (Audio Return Channel), run a single HDMI to a soundbar.
This keeps everything in sync and sounding great.
Yes. Lamp-based projectors have limited lifespans (3,000–5,000 hours). Watching a lot of TV will shorten that.
Upgrade to a laser or LED projector if you’re using your sim screen for daily viewing, they last up to 30,000 hours.
Yes, but with caution. You can mount a large 4K Smart TV behind your impact screen or on a swing-out arm.
Just make sure it’s protected from golf balls. Some players even use retractable mounts to move the TV out of the way.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can absolutely watch TV on a golf simulator, and it’s awesome. Whether you go the simple PC route or build a dual-device setup with surround sound, the result is the same:
A home golf space that doubles as your favorite place to relax, entertain, and escape.
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