Raccoon Bend golf Club on the south edge of Jefferson has been purchased by Jay Goughnour. The golf course, now named Raccoon Valley Golf Course, will be operated as a public course.

Goughnour is a 1995 graduate of Jefferson-Scranton high school. He has more than 10 years of experience in golf course greenskeeping, including seven seasons at The Hill west of Grand Junction. He has class A superintendent status from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of American, and is on the board of directors of the Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association.

According to Goughnour, golfers will notice improvements in the golf course. “The golf course will be our top priority. The turf will be better, with better irrigation on the greens and tee boxes,” he said. He also plans to install drainage tiles on holes 7 and 8.

Jay’s wife Nikki will manage the club house. The Goughnours do not plan to operate a restaurant at Raccoon Valley, but may lease space to someone for that purpose.

Raccoon Valley Golf Course will honor multiple-year membership agreements golfers entered into with Raccoon Bend. Raccoon Valley membership fees will be announced this spring. Raccoon Valley will continue to be the home course for the Jefferson-Scranton/Paton-Churdan golf teams.

“Raccoon Valley is a public golf course. Every customer is important. We think golfers will enjoy the improvements we’re making. We’re hoping people will find it to be a family-friendly operation, a place where people can bring the whole family for some fun golf,” Goughnour said.

Goughnour thanked the members of Raccoon Bend golf Club and the community for their support. Persons who would like more information about Raccoon Valley Golf Course can call Goughnour at (515) 577-4340.