ZELIENOPLE — Tom Donaldson wanted to teach. Strawberry Ridge Golf Course wanted a teacher.

The two got together five years ago and have been living happily ever after since.

"I've been playing golf for 26 years and I wanted to get back into teaching," Donaldson said. "Seven years ago, I did a search on how to get certified in the (teaching golf pro) industry."

Donaldson became certified through the United Golf Teachers Federation. Current Strawberry Ridge golf shop manager Andy Graff and he were co-workers at Dick's Sporting Goods in Cranberry Township.

"I was working part-time there and knew Andy when he was committed to joining Strawberry Ridge," Donaldson said. "He introduced me to (course owner) Tim (McNulty) and we've been a team ever since."

Donaldson has picked up further training through Hank Haney's program in Dallas, Texas. Haney previously coached Tiger Woods and is considered one of the top three golf coaches worldwide.

Donaldson, 44, offers private instruction, group instruction and runs a US Kids junior program at Strawberry Ridge. His classes are no bigger than five golfers to a session and he teaches four sessions for five weeks each.

"I like personalized instruction, so I won't teach more than five golfers at a time," he said. "I have no plans on leaving here. This place is very family-oriented.

"Young kids are able to play a round with an adult here. Not many courses do that."

Strawberry Ridge is a unique course in that it plays well to beginning golfers while offering challenges for the experienced player.

The greens are the largest in Butler County.

"The course isn't super long or super tight, and the larger greens are beneficial to new golfers," Donaldson said. "This course is better for beginners than a par-3 course.

"Most par-3's are shorter distances, smaller greens and the greens are elevated, making for a tough shot. This course doesn't play like that."

At the same time, some of the holes are risk/reward for veteran golfers. The No. 2, 462-yard par-5 plays downhill with water involved.

A drive of 280 yards is needed to clear the water.

"Golfers can go for it or they can lay up. Tough decision," Donaldson said. "There are a few holes where decisions like that need to be made."

The No. 4, 393-yard hole has a slight dog-leg left. Hit the ball to the right, it's in a ravine. Go too far left, it's in the trees.

"Every hole has its own character," Graff said. "And because we're up on top of a hill, this is a scenic place to play."

Approximately 75 percent of the wood used to build the clubhouse and restaurant came from the course grounds.

"That wood was milled right in the parking lot out here," Graff said.

Strawberry Ridge is only 10 years old. The back nine holes have been in place for six years.

The course has 12 leagues and nearly 30 golf outings scheduled each year.

The cart paths have been paved recently and improvements to the course are ongoing.

"Because of the configuration of the holes, playing from the blue tees makes this a totally different course," Graff said. "It really is a different experience."