07/23/2026
Over the last several Throwback Thursdays, we've highlighted the individuals and groups who have stewarded our club throughout its rich history. This week, we'd like to introduce the current ownership team that purchased the club in January 2024 and shares a common vision: preserving our traditions while investing in an even brighter future.
Jeff Petersen, a lifelong resident of the Valley, grew up in Bath and has called the golf course home for more than 25 years. Jeff's passion for agriculture and turf management has defined his entire career.
Jeff earned an Associate Degree in Horticulture from Augusta Technical College and spent nearly 30 years working for Augusta State University, with the final 16 years serving as Superintendent of the Augusta University Golf Team's practice facility. While Augusta University may be a smaller school, its golf program competed at the highest level of NCAA Division I golf.
During Jeff's tenure, the Jaguars captured back-to-back National Championships in 2010 and 2011 under Coach Josh Gregory, led by future Masters Champion Patrick Reed and PGA Tour professional Henrik Norlander. The team defeated Oklahoma State for the 2010 championship and the University of Georgia in 2011. In recognition of his contributions in maintaining a championship-caliber practice facility, Jeff was awarded National Championship rings for both victories.
Today, Jeff serves as Superintendent of our club and is leading the transformation of the golf course into the outstanding facility our members and guests enjoy today.
Steven Petersen, Jeff's brother, is also a lifelong Valley resident who grew up in Bath and has lived on the golf course for almost 24 years.
Steven graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1997 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in both South Carolina and Georgia and has been practicing engineering for nearly 30 years. For the past 23 years, he has owned and operated an engineering firm in Augusta.
As Managing Member of the club, Steven helps coordinate all facets of the business, bringing decades of leadership, planning, and entrepreneurial experience to the daily operations and long-term vision of the club.
The third member of the ownership team is John Lovin. John and Steven have been business partners for more than 23 years, building a successful mechanical engineering firm together.
John moved to the Augusta area as a teenager and remained a resident of the region until relocating to Beaufort, South Carolina, eight years ago. His diverse professional background includes technology, computer science, engineering, project management, and accounting.
At the club, John oversees accounting and human resources, helping ensure the organization remains financially strong and well-positioned for future growth.
The combination of Jeff's exceptional turf management expertise, along with Steven and John's extensive experience in business ownership, engineering, and entrepreneurship, creates a unique partnership dedicated to the success of our club.
Together, they are committed to honoring the club's history while continuing to invest in its future, improving the course, enhancing the member experience, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy this special place for years to come.
Their vision is simple: to provide a place of recreation for the entire Valley community that everyone can be proud of. By combining a deep appreciation for the club's heritage with a commitment to continuous improvement, they are working every day to elevate the facility while preserving the welcoming atmosphere that has made it a local treasure for generations.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to writing the next chapter of our story together.
