Lawson Returns to Dolphin Podium

Boothbay, Maine - This year saw the 30th running of the Lee Stoddard Dolphin Open on its typical weekend after Labor Day in the United States. This event is 10 rounds over two days giving putters a chance to experience a variety of weather conditions of early New England autumn. This year also saw a recent recarpeting of all the holes at Dolphin so putters weren’t quite sure what to expect from the course.

2023 Dolphin Field

With the reigning four-time champion Justin Seymour out of the field due to injury, it seemed to be a wide open run for the title. However, Elmer Lawson from Pennsylvania, who returned to the tournament after a four-year hiatus, had different plans. He stepped out to an early lead after the first session of three rounds and by the time Saturday dinner rolled around Elmer had an eight stroke lead and extended it to ten to wrap up the first day.

Elmer Lawson putting in the night rounds

Given there wasn’t much contention for first in the final two rounds, the attention moved to the other top places as mere strokes separated second from fourth. It was a up-and-down battle as aces dropped or were left hanging on edges and the course took the occasional bite out of a player, but it was Kyle Courcy from Maine who shot and impressive 34 and 33 to finish who would end up with the silver by one stroke over Pat Sheridan from Connecticut. Lawson would win $500 for first place along with a medal and custom winners hat.

Kyle Courcy, Elmer Lawson, Pat Sheridan and Nancy Stoddard (course owner)

This year’s tournament paid to 6th place. Evan Goodkowsky from Maine came in 4th, Randy Rice from NY grabbed 5th and Mark “Highlighter” Novicki from CT took the last paying spot in 6th by three strokes. Final scores can be found here.

Top 6 finalists with Nancy Stoddard