Jeff and Carmen Donaldson closed on a deal that had been in the works for several months on October 9. Jeff has been at Sun Valley “unofficially” every day for the past couple of months, learning the ins and outs of owning the nine-hole golf course on which he first cut his teeth back in college.

On October 9, Jeff Donaldson and his wife Carmen purchased Sun Valley (Iowa) Golf Course in a deal that had been in the works for several months, the Sioux City (Iowa) Journal reported.

The late Lila Frommelt, a longtime women’s golf coach at Briar Cliff University, got Donaldson interested in golf in college, the Journal reported.

“Lila was instrumental in getting me to like golf,” said Donaldson, whose natural athletic ability enabled him to excel at the sport despite getting a late start. “I played my first round of golf on the Sun Valley par-3 course.”

Donaldson is already on the job and learning the ins and outs of owning a golf course, the Journal reported.

“I’m really excited, I get to wake up and go to work at a golf course every day,” said Donaldson. “I’m already in here observing. They have some great leagues and great customers here. Any time there is a change in ownership, there’s bound to be some changes, but so far I’m liking everything I’m seeing.”

The Donaldsons purchased Sun Valley from previous owners John Fitch, Dean Stoos and Wes Bowers. Bowers, who will retain his duties as course superintendent, has been at Sun Valley for 30 years. He was an owner for 25 years, moved out of town and returned as a third owner, the Journal reported.

Donaldson has been at Sun Valley “unofficially” every day for the last couple of months, the Journal reported.

Sun Valley, a quaint nine-hole layout, was built in 1960. One of the course’s most popular assets is the par-3 course built inside the regular nine holes, the Journal reported.

“It’s a fun course for anyone to come out and play,” said Donaldson. “We’re not a championship course by any means but I don’t think it’s as simple as many may think it is. We look forward to doing the best we can to make Sun Valley a great golfing experience for people of all ages.”

Donaldson will be inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame as a basketball player. Donaldson played on teams that reached the state tournament twice and he went on to become a standout performer at Briar Cliff, the Journal reported.

“I’m humbled to receive the honor, actually pretty overwhelmed,” Donaldson said.

“And although we’ve invested a lot, I have a passion for the game of golf. I played many rounds at Sun Valley growing up and look forward to what lies ahead in the future.”