Dolphin Mini Golf held its 19th Annual Open September 8-9 to raise money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

The tournament attracted professional mini golfers from all parts of the country. This year, 32 mini golfers competed for trophies, cash prizes and a highly coveted jacket. In first place was Elmer Lawson of Redington, Pa. Lawson took the tournament by storm, beating the nearest opponent by 21 strokes. Lawson took home the jacket, a gold medal and $1,000 cash prize. Winning the runner-up trophy was Dusty Stoddard of Boothbay, followed by third place finisher Joshua Tiberio of Rhode Island.

Each golfer played ten rounds of golf on the par 50 course, with Lawson averaging a par of 34.4 per round. Round nine showcased Lawson’s best performance when he shot 20 under par, which included six hole-in-ones. Lawson, who first played at Dolphin Mini Golf in 1998, said he liked this course because it’s little but challenging. “My putter and ball is doing everything. I’m just around for the ride,” he said.

Dolphin Mini Golf Owner and Tournament Director Lee Stoddard said he had never witnessed such a blowout performance in all 19 years of the open. “Usually it’s within a couple strokes or two,” Stoddard said.  

The junior, amateur and senior divisions were played a day earlier.

Eric Smith was the winner of the junior series, followed by runner-up Clista Pagurko, and Aidan Stoddard taking third place respectively.

Winners of the amateur division were John Howard, Chip Howard and Gert Tibbetts.

Rounding off the top three finishers in the senior division were Bob Stoddard, Ainsley McPhee and Dean McPhee.

The final round participants, above right, were (back row, from left) John O'Leary, Josh Tiberio, Peter Gilchrist, Nancy Gilchrist, Chris Baum, Steve Hill, Lee Stoddard, Sean MacDonough, Mandy Ranslow, Pat Sheridan, Randy Rice, Todd McPhee. (Front row, from left) were Caleb Jones, Evan Goodkowsky, Alex Cromwell, Dusty Stoddard, Elmer Lawson, Terri Lawson, Sam Venettuoli, Craig Sanchez, Danny Olejnik, Bob Stoddard.