Two months and no golf! For a golf nut like me, that’s like solitary confinement for a con. Every Wednesday (our golfing sabbath), it has been cold, nasty, rainy or all of the above. Finally, an opening. We played Old Trail last week and then Lake Monticello this Wednesday. It was good to get back on the course.
I was pleased Old Trail came to their senses about exorbitant rates. They still don’t offer a VSGA discount, but they have winter rates in effect and we played 18 for $30. Last year, around the first of March on a Wednesday after 1 o’clock, they charged $54 for a round. Old Trail is not a mid-week winter rate course worth $54. We didn’t go back.
I have to admit, however, that those Zoysia fairways are fun to play, particularly in the winter when most grass isn’t growing.
Lake Monticello has that problem on lots of their fairways. Bermuda grass does not take kindly to wet, cold weather. The bent grass greens, though, were top notch. Smooth, full and reliably difficult. Lake Monticello accepts VSGA cards and we played there for $26, one of the best golfing values in Virginia.
Over the last two rounds I hit a number of different balls and I have come to the conclusion – at least for my swing – that Callaway Chrome Soft balls are the best – no question. They compress nicely even in cold weather and they take a beating without a blemish. They are worth every penny.
The Masters is not far off. Time to get in some needed practice.