Tournament winners John Britton, left, and Jack Ulhman shared the top prize of $500.

Fourteen-year-old Jack Ulhman is a lucky young man. He has spent Christmas vacation on Sanibel with his family ever since he can remember. Escaping the cold winter in Ohio, the family comes here to bike, visit the beach… and play miniature golf!

When the family found out about the holiday indoor miniature golf course set up at the Sanibel Community House, they made playing a few rounds during each visit a family tradition.

The indoor miniature golf course is set up by islander Tony Lapi, who designed the course and business sponsorship idea 15 years ago as a way to raise funds to offset the operating costs of The Community House. This year, Lapi added a new event to the usual four days of play. A Two-Person Best Ball Mini Golf Tournament was offered on the fifth day, Dec. 29.

For a $50 team entry fee, a cash prize of $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place would be paid out to the winning teams. Twenty teams registered to participate in the 6 p.m. shotgun start.

Jack and his uncle, John Britton, teamed up to play and visited the course to practice their putting in the days prior to the tourney. Jack knew the course well and is a good putter, “even on a real golf course,” according to his uncle. The two took first place with an incredible score of 33.

Ed Lockard and Drew Donnelly, both from The Sanctuary Golf Club, took second place.

Ulhman was undecided when asked what he will do with the money, but the team was all smiles.

Second place went to The Sanctuary Golf Club Team. Ed Lockard, director of golf, and Drew Donnelly, head golf professional, took the consolation prize with a score of 35. Third place was captured by local Brian Cunningham (who helped organize the event) and his teammate Tom, with a score of 36.

The Sanibel Community Association would like to thank all the business sponsors that supported the 2009 Mini Golf season. The funds raised helps the Sanibel Community House in their mission to enrich community spirit through educational, cultural and social gatherings in the historic Community House.

Third place went to Brian Cunningham and his teammate, Tom.