P.J. Simao is selling the 9-hole course in Watertown, N.Y. to landscaper Jake Johnson. In addition to the greens and bunkers, Johnson plans to add outdoor dining and an outdoor fireplace.

Ives Hill Country Club in Watertown, N.Y. is soon to be under new ownership. Jake Johnson is buying the 9-hole golf course from P.J. Simao.

WWNY shared exclusive details on why Johnson is doing the deal and what his plans are.

“Super exciting for me, obviously, as a landscaper with my background I’m looking forward to being able to put my touch on the grounds of Ives Hill Country Club,” Johnson said.

A deed restriction when the city of Watertown bought the Thompson Park Golf Course will keep Ives Hill a nine-hole course and Johnson plans to make it the best, WWNY reported.

“Improvements to the greens; improvements of the bunkers; we’re going to do a couple of flags on the driving range,” Johnson explained.

Operating as a golf course will allow Johnson to reopen the restaurant, as well.

We’re looking to do a nice outdoor seating venue for people to dine … probably an outdoor fireplace,” Johnson said.

Because of the city’s controversial $3.4 million buy in Thompson Park with P.J. Simao being compensated $850,000 for the deed restriction, Johnson told WWNY he is hoping to help the community move on from the negativity.

“I want to put all of that to an end,” he said. “Watertown deserves the best and that’s what I’m hoping to provide it.”

Simao told WWNY he has always believed Ives Hill Country club was a community asset and when Johnson came to him with his vision for the business, he liked it and felt selling the property to Johnson would be the right move. He is confident in the sale.

Johnson calls the transaction smooth.

“PJ really wanted to see this course back open and he believes that I’m the guy to take it to the next level and so he helped help me a lot to facilitate … make it easy to make that transition,” Johnson said.

Terms of the deal are not available, WWNY reported. Johnson expects to close on the property in mid-August. He is not buying all of Ives Hill Country Club, however. Simao will split the land and keep 79 acres on the backside of the property. He is not saying yet what he has plans for that land.