By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
We may still be in the throes of winter but it is now decision time for golfers in Fluvanna County. Annual contracts at the Lake Monticello course run from March 1 to the end of February. The Lake Monticello course is the only option in Fluvanna County for local golfers. The Lake Monticello Owners Association (LMOA) recently decided to turn over golf operations to the well-known Billy Casper golf group, which had recently stepped in to take over food services. Some confusion followed when Billy Casper announced that it was changing its name to Indigo Golf and shortly thereafter it was announced that Troon Golf was purchasing Indigo. However, golf operations are expected to be mostly unchanged, with golf pro Mark Marshall continuing in place.
There has been quite a bit of discussion about potential fee structure changes and golfers are doing calculations based on how often they play and whether they walk or ride to determine if it makes sense to commit for an annual contract or to pay on a per round basis. Another question that golfers must decide is whether to play in one of several groups of golfers. By far the oldest group is the Senior Men’s Golf Association, also known as the Gray Foxes. This group is open to men 50 years of age and above. There are two leagues. The Thursday morning league plays 18 holes, while the Friday morning league plays nine holes. There is a $55 registration fee for the whole season, which runs from late March to early November. This fee goes toward a year end banquet and year end prizes. Each week a fee of $3 or $5 is collected and prizes in the form of pro shop credits are given to the top players each week. Lake Monticello residency is not required to participate.
There are also other leagues at the Lake Monticello course. There are Monday and Wednesday evening leagues. There are nine hole and 18 hole lady’s leagues that do not have an age limit. Like the Gray Foxes, these leagues have an annual registration fee. There is also a low key group for the less competitive ladies called the Pink Flamingoes. All leagues are always looking for new players. Anyone with an interest in joining any of these leagues can call the pro shop at 434-589-3075 to find out who to contact.
