A new golf-centered entertainment concept is preparing to take its swing in downtown Conway, bringing simulator play, league competition, and a relaxed social setting to one of the city’s most recognizable storefronts.
The Longshot Lounge Golf Club, led by local entrepreneur Brandon Proenza and business partner Dave Landers, is targeting a March 13 opening at 1012 Oak St. The venue will offer a year-round option for golfers looking to practice, compete, or gather with friends.
The idea itself came together in a fitting setting.
“My business partner, Dave Landers, and I were on a golf round when the idea came about,” Proenza said.
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What began as a casual conversation between shots soon evolved into a plan, as the pair recognized growing demand for indoor golf experiences that remove the barriers of weather and daylight.
After identifying the need, they began searching for a property that could support the concept. The downtown location quickly stood out.
“We were looking for something that was really spacious, and this was it,” he said. “We fell in love with it.”
The facility will feature five simulator bays powered by TrackMan technology, allowing guests to play virtual versions of hundreds of courses, sharpen specific shots, or take part in skills-based games.
“If you had a practice session with your five iron, it’ll show you every shot and all the details,” Proenza said. “It caters to everyone.”
Guests can also expect a steady calendar of programming, including long-drive contests, closest-to-the-pin challenges, and four-person scrambles designed to appeal to both competitive golfers and newcomers alike.
Historical records from the Faulkner County Museum show the Oak Street building has long been part of downtown Conway’s commercial fabric. Blue Ribbon Shoe Store operated there from 1948 to 1998, earning a reputation for personalized service and fitting generations of local families. The space later became home to Blue Ribbon Antiques before most recently housing Rock City Outfitters.
Now, the address is being prepared for its next tenant.
Alongside simulator play, the lounge will offer a menu similar to what golfers might find at a pro shop, giving guests the option to grab a quick bite without stepping away from their bay.
“It’ll be anything you’d get at the turn — hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot dogs — the kind of food you grab in the middle of a round,” Proenza said.
Memberships will be available in multiple tiers, including a top-level option that provides 24-hour access through secure entry, while standard hourly bookings will also be offered. Students who present a valid ID will receive a discount.
Proenza said the business also plans to bring in a golf professional to offer lessons several days each week, creating an additional opportunity for players to improve their game while using the facility.
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