It has been an eventful 24 seasons for Dolphin Mini Golf.

The 18-hole miniature golf course hosted the 2008 U.S. Open championships, the only sanctioned Maine professional tournament by the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association, and it is one of the few remaining professional tournaments in New England.

Owner Lee Stoddard, 78, built the course with his brother in 1991. The Stoddards designed and built the course: an 18-hole, par 50 championship-level course located on Route 27 in Boothbay. Stoddard is busy preparing for his 25th season, which begins May 9.

Stoddard is hoping for a repeat of last season. His busiest months are July and August, and it seemed last August was ideal weather conditions for miniature golf.

“It seemed every day was either too cold or foggy for the beach. So people couldn’t go boating or swimming. So they all showed up here,” Stoddard said.

Dolphin Mini Golf is more than a place to putt. The complex includes other attractions. In 1992, the brothers added an ice cream shop. In 1993, a covered bridge was built. According to Stoddard, the covered bridge houses the largest sea shell collection in the U.S. And in 1994, they built an arcade.

But the main attraction remains miniature golf. The nautical themed layout includes an anchor-shaped hole, the fish eye where the putt travels up a mound to reach the hole, and a captain’s ship wheel rotating six revolutions per minute blocking would-be putts access to the hole. 

“Some holes are more difficult than others, but you can get a hole-in-one on all of them. It’s all about knowing how hard to hit the ball, and  the right angle for each shot,” Stoddard said.

His favorite hole is “The Cliff Hanger,” the par 3, 18th. The ball must travel along a steep slope before reaching the hole. If the golfer hits it too far right, it won’t make it to the hole. If the putt is struck too far left, it leaves the course.

“I think it’s the best hole in the country,” said Stoddard who has played national tournaments throughout New England, Florida and as far as Laughlin, Nevada. “It’ s very challenging because if you don’t hit it perfectly, you’re in trouble.”

The highlight of Stoddard’s tenure is when Dolphin Mini Golf hosted the 2008 U.S. Open.

In 1998, Dolphin Mini Golf was one of the original courses on the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association’s circuit. In those days, the two biggest tournaments (U.S. Open and Masters) were held in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina. A new association sponsor wanted one of the tournaments contested at a different location.

“We had been with the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association from the start. So when it was time to award a new location they selected us for the 2008 U.S. Open,” he said.

Stoddard holds the Maine State Dolphin Open each September. The field attracted 47 mini golfers last year. Players from the northeast and south competed for prize money. Last year, the winner earned $1,000 and seven others received checks.

The Tiger Woods of the Maine State Dolphin tournament is Peter Gilchrist of Boothbay Harbor. He has won the event 12 times, including five consecutive championships from 2001-05.

Gilchrist is one of three players who holds the course scoring record of 29. Dusty Stoddard and Dave Towle are the others.

Over the years, Towle has probably enjoyed the course more than anyone. The first day the former school teacher played the course, he stayed all day.

“He began when we opened and stayed until closing,” Lee Stoddard said. “Next morning, I found him there waiting for me. He did that the whole summer.”

Towle repeated the ritual the following year. He eventually negotiated a price for unlimited play.

“I’ve been doing the math on how much it costs me to play,” Towle told Stoddard, then presented him with 12 $100 bills.

“So now, he could spend his time playing one hole for a prolonged period or play unlimited rounds,” Stoddard said. “Or sometimes, he’d just hang around help other people learn how to play the course.”

Miniature Golf has turned out to be a popular family activity. Gilchrist began playing 23 years ago with his wife and two children. The Gilchrist clan all hold a national miniature golf championship: Peter A. Gilchrist, 69, won a seniors championship. His wife, Nancy, won a woman’s title. His son, Peter M. Gilchrist, is a former national champion. And daughter Alice is a former national amateur champion.

Peter A. Gilchrist said the sport is ideal for people who thrive on competition.

“We’re all pretty competitive,” he said. “The sport doesn’t rely on height or strength. So it lends itself to those who enjoy competing.”

Peter A., his son, and wife have all won the Maine State Dolphin Open. Peter A. and Nancy Gilchrist plan on showing up on opening day to play. During the season, the Gilchrists play  8-9 rounds per week.

This fall, Stoddard is looking to make the Maine State Dolphin Open bigger. He wants to add more prize money and hold a tournament ending banquet.

Stoddard is also proud that the annual tournament donates funds to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Last year, the tournament donated $4,455. Over the years, the tournament has donated $95,406 to the hospital.

“This year should put us over the $100,000 mark,” Stoddard said. “I’m proud that each year this tournament benefits those children.”

The Maine State Dolphin Tournament will be held on Sept. 8-9. It is a 10-round tournament.

In 2002, USA Today rated Dolphin Mini Golf as one of the top courses in the U.S.