The million sale of the 564-acre Genoa Lakes Golf Resort to Mazz Golf Management Co. is currently in escrow with closing expected in mid-October, the principals of the deal announced Wednesday.Mario and Diane Antoci of MDA Enterprises, Inc. have had the Lakes Course and Resort Course — developed initially as Sierra Nevada Golf Ranch — along with the courses’ restaurant, banquet and clubhouse facilities on the market for more than two years. Antoci has said he has invested more than $29 million into the two courses. The sale price, expected to be significantly less, isn’t likely to be disclosed until after the escrow close.Mike and Denise Mazzaferri, owners of Mazz Golf Management Co., currently hold the management contract with Washoe County for the operation of Sierra Sage Golf Course in Stead.“Once the sale closes, we intend to keep the northern Resort Course, which will be renamed the Ranch Course, open through October with all local rates and rewards programs being honored. The Lakes Course will remain open throughout the winter season as weather permits,” said Mike Mazzaferri, president of Mazz Golf Management. “We are committed to maintaining quality golf facilities at Genoa Lakes with outstanding customer service that will produce a memorable golfing experience for locals and visiting players.”The Lakes Course, co-designed by PGA Champion Peter Jacobsen and John Harbottle III, opened for play in 1993 and is situated just below the Carson Range. The golf course is one mile from historical downtown Genoa, the first settlement in Nevada, and 18 miles from Stateline. Wetlands and the Carson River bring water into play on 14 of the holes. The course has hosted the local U.S Open Qualifier 16 times.Two miles to the north, the Ranch Course opened in 1997 as Sierra Golf Ranch. Designed by U.S. Open champion Johnny Miller and Harbottle, it features more than 300 feet of elevation change, strong afternoon winds and more than 100 bunkers. “We anticipate adjusting our greens fees to reflect the local golf climate and economy,” Mazzaferri said. “We have begun a preliminary assessment of infrastructure at both courses to see where we can improve playability. We also intend to be fully engaged in regional marketing, such as the Divine 9 program, to help tourism efforts.” Antoci’s company purchased the southern golf course in November 2000, according to the Douglas County Recorder’s office. He was the former chairman and chief executive officer of American Savings Bank. His company acquired the northern course on March 31, 2005.Mazzaferri and his wife have been managing operators at Sierra Sage for the past three years. Denise Mazzaferri is the former head professional at Genoa Lakes, former director of golf at Thunder Canyon Golf Club and head of instruction at Hidden Valley Country Club as well as lead PGA instructor of the local Chix with Sticks women’s golf teaching academy.Mike Mazzaferri came to Reno from Ohio thanks to a golf scholarship with the University of Nevada. His rsum includes assistant pro at Lakeridge Golf Course, the director of golf at the Red Hawk Golf Club, PGA general manager at Hidden Valley Country Club, and manager of the City of Reno’s golf course operations.For more information, visit www.genoalakes.com.
