TAKE A SWING: A proposed indoor golf facility at the former site of the defunct Dollar General in Ship Bottom wasn’t on the radar of most individuals speculating about what would become of the empty retail space on the Boulevard. (Photo by Ryan Morrill)
The Ship Bottom Land Use Board was expected to consider an application at its March 17 meeting that would, if approved, transform the now-closed Dollar General building into a state-of-the-art indoor golf simulation facility.
Mundy Consulting is the applicant proposing Shot Shaver LBI, a facility featuring 11 golf simulators, including executive and junior suites.
It is “designed to offer a high-end, year-round recreational experience for both residents and visitors to Long Beach Island,” according to the state of operations, which accompanied the application. “The facility will primarily operate on a membership and rental model, supplemented by event hosting and retail sales.”
The application calls for the addition of a front porch where the current loading zone is located, but no other exterior changes on the building, located between 24th and 25th streets on Long Beach Boulevard, according to a letter of review from Frank Little, board engineer. The interior would be converted into an area with 11 individual golf bays, a retail space, a private restroom for one user, and a separate restroom with six stalls.
“In all, the building is designed to accommodate 64 total occupants and will be handicapped accessible,” Little’s letter said.
The applicant anticipates the facility would serve the Island’s year-round residents as well as customers from the mainland and 100,000 seasonal visitors.
“With no comparable competitors within a 30-minute radius, Shot Shaver LBI fills a critical gap in the local recreational market, providing an unmatched indoor golf experience,” the statement of operations said. “Regarding operating hours, we request approval to operate 24/7 for members, understanding that extended hours may be subject to local regulations.”
The applicant said they are amendable to working within the hours the land use board finds appropriate for the area and are “happy to accommodate any reasonable restrictions.”
They also pledged to ensure membership access is traceable and scheduled to maintain a safe and controlled environment, according to the statement of operations.
The applicant said Shot Shaver LBI expects to see first-year revenues of $3.35 million, contributing to the local economy, and creating seasonal and full-time jobs while also generating tax revenue.
“This influx of economic activity will directly benefit Ship Bottom’s businesses and services, making it an important asset to the community,” the statement of operations said. “Our team’s connection to Long Beach Island runs deep. Several members of our group are also investors in Dockside Diner and through our experience there, we’ve learned that the memories created by locals and visitors year after year are the cornerstone of what makes LBI such a unique and cherished destination.”
The application proposes the same 17 parking spaces that already exist as well as a bicycle rack at the back of the property.
“The proposed golf simulation facility is not listed as a permitted use within the SC Shore Commercial District,” according to the application. “Therefore, a special use variance is required.”
Such a variance is also known as a D variance in New Jersey and requires a supermajority of votes from the land use board for approval. Positive criteria must be demonstrated and outweigh any negative elements of the plan for a special variance to be approved.
Dollar General closed its doors in early December after more than a decade at the location. In early 2025, the company announced it was shuttering nearly 100 storefronts in the first quarter of last year.
— Gina G. Scala