Junior programs and weekly leagues begin in March
By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
The sailboat logo on much of the merchandise sold at the Golf Pro Shop includes the date 1969 — the year the golf course opened for play. That was a long time ago. The men’s Gray Foxes senior golf organization has been around for nearly that long, as has the women’s golf organization.
The PGA golf pro at the Lake, Mark Marshall, has worked for years to ensure that golf remains an important part of life at Lake Monticello and in Fluvanna County. Marshall has emphasized youth programs throughout his time at the Lake.
Now he has turned those youth programs over to his new assistant professionals, Mason Chiovaro and Cameron Marshall. Both are former standouts on the Fluvanna County High School golf team. Mason is enrolled in the PGA educational program, and Cameron is in the LPGA educational program. Both aspire to become full-time golf professionals.
Junior Academy golf classes will be offered from April 1 through Oct. 14. The Junior PGA Golf Prep program will run from April 2 through April 28.
The Lake Monticello Senior Men’s Golf Association — also known as the Gray Foxes — will begin play in March. Nine-hole competitions begin Tuesday, March 24, and 18-hole competitions begin Thursday, March 26. The groups will play every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the season.
John Roeder and John Stenz will coordinate the two groups. Different formats are played each week, and prizes in the form of golf shop credits are awarded to top scorers. Gray Foxes President Paul Schmidt is looking for new members and hopes to increase participation to more than 100 golfers.
The women at the Lake also hold weekly 18-hole and nine-hole competitions. The 18-hole group plays every Tuesday morning and is coordinated by Jackie Lamb. The nine-hole competitions are held on Friday mornings, with Diane Mundell serving as coordinator.
There is also a group for less serious golfers and beginners known as the Pink Flamingos. They play nine holes on Wednesday afternoons, and Joyce White coordinates that group.Golfers do not need year-long contracts to participate in these groups. However, for those who expect to play regularly, signing a contract is likely the most cost-effective option. Many year-long contracts run from March through February, and contract holders should remember to sign up for the 2026 season.
