Swing Caddie SC4 Pro Space Requirements - How Much Space Do You Need? [Home Golf Simulator Guide - Full Indoor/Outdoor Specs]

The Swing Caddie SC4 Pro is the follow-up to the popular SC4, and because the improvements have been so significant, this new Pro model has generated a lot of buzz among shoppers looking for affordable-but-accurate launch monitors.

But before you get too deep into what it can do, if you’re planning to use the SC4 Pro indoors, the first and most important question is: Do you have enough space?

Because the reality is that radar-based launch monitors like the SC4 Pro need room depth. Unlike camera-based systems that sit next to the ball, radar sits behind it and requires enough flight distance to actually track the ball in motion.

That means space is the first hurdle for many would-be home simulator owners. If you don’t measure carefully, you could end up with a shiny new launch monitor that simply won’t work in your room.

Now, the good news is that the SC4 Pro, like the original SC4, is the most space-friendly radar device out there. Where most radar launch monitors sit 7 to 8 feet behind the ball, the SC4 Pro requires only 5 feet. And while you’ll still want 8 to 13 feet in front of the ball, this makes the SC4 Pro more accommodating than some of its direct competitors.

On top of that, the SC4 Pro offers features that are unmatched at this price point. A built-in display, no required subscriptions, and an upgraded app that now includes spin axis, sidespin, backspin, and dispersion data.

But none of those upgrades change the fundamental truth: Before you buy, you need to make sure your room can handle the dimensions.

So let’s get precise about how much space you need for the SC4 Pro.

How Much Indoor Space Do You Need for a Swing Caddie SC4 Pro Golf Simulator?

Again, because the Swing Caddie SC4 Pro uses Doppler radar to track the golf ball, it needs to sit behind the ball so that it can watch it fly.

But the SC4 Pro only needs to be positioned 5 feet behind the ball. That’s at least 2 feet less in room depth requirements than other radar units. For someone tight on room depth, that could make all the difference.

Now, because that Doppler radar is actually reading several revolutions of the golf ball after it’s hit in order to measure data, it also needs at least 8 feet of space in front of the ball so that it can accurately measure ball flight.

However, in our testing and following the advice of the manufacturer, we’ve found that allowing for at least 12 feet of ball flight yields the most accurate results. You also want to allow for at least one foot of buffer space between the back of your impact screen and the wall behind it. For that reason, we recommend a room that is at least 18 feet deep. For comparison, some radar devices require 21 feet of depth.

Add it all up, and our room-size recommendations to comfortably use a Swing Caddie SC4 Pro indoors are:

• 10 feet wide
• 18 feet deep
• 9 feet tall

Room width and ceiling height are about swinging safely with your longest club. A taller golfer might need more than 10 feet wide and 9 feet tall, while someone shorter could get away with less.

The best test? Grab your driver and do a slow-motion swing in the space. If you clear the ceilings and walls, you’re probably good. But just remember not to cut it too close. The mental stress of worrying that you’re going to hit your walls or ceiling isn’t going to make for a great experience. Also, don’t forget to account for the heights and swing lengths of any expected guests.

Radar vs Camera: Which Type of Golf Launch Monitor Is Best for an Indoor Simulator Studio?

Camera-based or photometric launch monitors (like the SkyTrak+, Foresight GC3, or Bushnell Launch Pro) save space because they sit next to the ball and don’t need as much flight distance. If room depth is your biggest issue, a camera system is likely your best option.

But radar brings a big advantage of its own: ambidextrous play. With a radar device like the SC4 Pro, you don’t move the launch monitor when switching between righties and lefties. With a side-mounted camera unit, you’d have to reposition every time. Something that makes group play frustrating.

If you’ve got the depth, that convenience can be a major win. And among radar units, the SC4 Pro is one of the most depth-efficient choices.

Is the Swing Caddie SC4 Pro a Good Indoor Golf Simulator Option?

Now that we’ve established how much room the SC4 Pro requires, the next question is whether this launch monitor makes sense for you indoors. The answer depends on how you plan to use it and what you value most.

From a space perspective, nothing has changed from the original SC4. The Pro model still needs to be set 5 feet behind the ball with a minimum of 8 feet of flight space in front.

Where the Pro differentiates itself is in the experience it delivers once you’ve got the space covered. Compared to the original SC4, the SC4 Pro adds four new spin-related metrics in the app — spin axis, sidespin, backspin, and dispersion.

And it introduces the new Voice Caddie S app with an improved 3D range environment and sharper visuals. Plus, it’s still the only launch monitor for less than $1,000 with a built-in display and voice readouts. And it still comes with no required subscription fees.

Indoors, you should expect the same tradeoffs that come with most radar units. Proper alignment is critical, and shorter ball flights can make accuracy more variable, especially with longer clubs. Outdoors, with more room to track flight, the SC4 Pro’s numbers tend to settle in more reliably.

So is the SC4 Pro a good indoor option? If you’ve got the recommended depth and want the flexibility of playing with both right- and left-handed golfers without moving the unit, it’s one of the most practical radar choices available and a strong contender for budget-conscious golfers.

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.