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

One of the knocks on using a radar-type of golf launch monitor for an indoor golf simulator setup is that it requires a fairly large room.

But they also come with some really significant benefits that their camera-based counterparts can’t beat.

And of all the radar golf launch monitors on the market, the Swing Caddie SC4 takes up the least amount of space.

How many feet less? That’s what we’re going to get into with this post.

At just $549.99 and with no annual subscriptions, the SC4 is the most affordable golf launch monitor that we recommend. You can go cheaper, but you’re going to be getting exactly that — cheap. The SC4, on the other hand, is a quality launch monitor that you can use as a golf simulator right out of the box.

So if you’re planning an indoor simulator studio, you might want to put the Swing Caddie SC4 on your list. And as we’ll discuss below, if you’re planning to play simulator golf with both righties and lefties and you’re a bit tight on space, the SC4 may be your only option.

Let’s get to the bottom of figuring out exactly how much space you’ll need to use a Swing Caddie SC4 indoors. And while we’re at it, let’s help you figure out if you’d be satisfied with what this golf launch monitor can do.

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

When it comes to figuring out how much space is required for an indoor golf simulator, the first thing to consider is the three types of setup options that golf launch monitors present:

• Set on the floor next to the golf ball (photometric or camera-based)
• Mounted to the ceiling behind and above the ball (higher-end camera- and radar-based)
• Set on the floor behind the ball (radar-based)

The unfortunate part about those Doppler radar golf launch monitors that read shots from the floor behind the golf ball is that they require considerably more room depth than the other two options. Most Doppler-radar based golf launch monitors ideally should be set up 7 or 8 feet behind the ball in order to yield accurate results.

But the Swing Caddie SC4 only needs to be positioned 5 feet behind the ball. That means it requires at least 2 feet less in room depth. For the right user, that could be very significant.

Now, because a Doppler radar launch monitor 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 (though more is preferable) in front of the ball so that it can accurately measure ball flight.

So that means that, yes, the SC4 still does require significant room depth, certainly much more than you’d need for a more-expensive photometric unit that sits next to the ball or is mounted to the ceiling. But being able to save at least 2 feet in room depth could make all the difference for people with space limitations.

Here are our room-size recommendations to comfortably use a Swing Caddie SC4 indoors:

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

How did we arrive at those recommended dimensions?

Well, as discussed, the SC4 needs to sit 5 feet behind the golf ball. And it needs at least 8 feet in front of the ball. But, to ensure better accuracy, we recommend 13 feet in front of the ball. So that is why we recommend 18 feet of total room depth.

As for ceiling height and room width, those recommendations are fairly standard and the same as with the other golf launch monitors available. You really just need enough width and height to swing your longest golf club without risk of damaging your surroundings. So, those dimension requirements will vary some depending on the size of the golfer using the simulator studio. Taller golfers with longer swings may need more space than our standard recommendations. While shorter golfers and swings may require less space.

Our best advice for you is to swing your driver (slowly at first) in the space you envision using for your simulator studio. But don’t forget to account for the size of any guests you plan on inviting over to join in your fun.

So even though 18 feet of room depth is significantly better than the 21 feet we recommend for most indoor radar-based golf launch monitors, it’s still a lot of room.

Is it worth it to take up that much space?

Well, that depends on how you plan to use your golf simulator.

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

There’s no question that a photometric golf launch monitor like the SkyTrak+, Bushnell Launch Pro, and Foresight Sports GC3 will save you on space.

But those types of golf launch monitors are also generally more expensive than their radar counterparts.

And, what if you plan to play simulator golf with both right-handed and left-handed people at the same time?

Because if you used a camera-based system that sat to the side of the golf ball, you’d have to move the launch monitor back and forth between each side of the ball every time you wanted to switch between righty and lefty. That’s just not a realistic option.

But with a radar golf launch monitor like the Swing Caddie SC4, that’s a non-issue. All you’ll have to do is set the SC4 up one time, and you won’t have to move it again regardless of who is hitting shots.

So, while space-saving is certainly a big consideration for indoor golf simulator users, don’t sleep on the righty-lefty issue. That’s significant as well.

It really all comes down to your specific use cases and what makes the most sense for you personally.

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

There are three things that make the Swing Caddie SC4 a really attractive golf simulator:

1. The space-saving opportunities.
2. There are no subscription fees.
3. It comes with a free E6 Connect sim golf course (Aviara Golf Club & Resort) and E6 simulated driving range.

Now, make no mistake, if you want to play simulator golf beyond that one free included course, you’re going to end up paying for a subscription through a third-party simulator software company, but at least you don’t additionally have to pay a subscription to Swing Caddie the way you do with other manufacturers.

The SC4 is compatible with E6 and Optishot Orion. That’s not as impressive a list of sim software options as you get with other golf launch monitors. But if you want to play simulator golf right out of the box for just $599.98, the Swing Caddie SC4 is the only way to do that.

As for data and accuracy, the SC4 isn’t quite as impressive as some competing products. Then again, it also doesn’t cost as much.

For data you’ve got:

• Carry/Total distance
• Swing speed
• Ball speed
• Smash factor
• Apex (maximum height)
• Launch angle
• Launch direction
• Spin rate

In our testing, we found that spin rates were not quite as reliable with the SC4, and accuracy got a bit spotty as you got to the longer golf clubs like driver and fairway woods.

So there is a bit of a you-get-what-you-pay-for aspect to choosing a golf simulator. Can you find more accurate? You absolutely can, but it’s going to cost you more. The same goes for simulator software compatibility.

But if you’re tight on room space and especially if you plan to play simulator golf with both righties and lefties, the Swing Caddie SC4 is more than capable of delivering a lot of fun.

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc "Shef" 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.