GM's love of the game grew in Nevada

If there had been a good career in skiing, Keith Stoll would've chosen that.

As much of a ski bum as he was, duty called. Better pay, and quality of life for his family, brought the Stolls to Northern Nevada from Montana. He'd played golf since he was 11, but here in Nevada his love of the game grew.

Stoll became a daily player and turned professional after his first year.

"It was something that mixed athletics and sports with business," he said Tuesday. "This was the one thing that fit my fancy."

Stoll took over as general manager and head golf pro at Empire Ranch Golf Course on April 1.

Stoll worked at Sun Ridge Golf Club in Douglas County as head golf pro since 1997. While there, he set the foundation for its golf program. Stoll worked at Eagle Valley Golf Course from 1991-1997, which is where he apprenticed in the PGA before becoming head pro.

Stoll, 38, said he was attracted to Empire Ranch because of its child-friendly atmosphere. The course has a PGA pro for those aged 7-17 and has about 30 children in the program. Stoll looks forward to putting his children, 14-year-old Katie and 12-year-old Clayton, to work at the course this summer.

"We realized that we had to start with the kids and get them into the game."

The golf course is celebrating its 10th season in business with a $10 golf special until Thursday. Golfers from the lake and Reno have come out to enjoy Carson City's warmer weather, he said. On Tuesday, 300 golfers were playing on the 27-hole course, at 1875 Fair Way, which is open to the public.

Owner Mallard Realty recently began a $120,000 renovation on the 215-acre course and clubhouse. Since it flooded in January, the owners have put about $60,000 into the course.

The 5,500-square-foot clubhouse is in the process of a $60,000 renovation, which included new flooring and cabinets. The owners plan to remodel the clubhouse deck and bathrooms.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.