Taylors Triumph at Putt-Putt Playoff

Miniature golf runs in this family

by Diana Beechener

Putt-putt players around Maryland took a swing at victory during the inaugural Harris Cup qualifying tournament at Severna Park Golf Center.

“I think it went smoothly,” says Golf Center owner Rob Brilliant. The tournament had a false start: a rain-out Sept. 6. But 20 of the 30 registered players, ages nine to 78, braved steamy sun Sept. 13 for their shot at a spot in New Jersey’s Harris Cup Miniature Golf Tournament.

“Everybody loves putt-putt,” Brilliant says. “It’s a challenge.” The $3,500 first place prize for the Harris Cup doesn’t hurt either. The two lowest scores qualified for the cup, though only the first-place winner gets an all-expenses-paid trip.

This year, the Taylor family took the top three honors, making the Harris qualifier a family affair. Father Dave Taylor, 50, won top honors. Son Rusty, 27, placed second followed by grandfather Buddy, 78.

“When I was younger I played every day,” says Dave Taylor. “My father owned a putt-putt in Glen Burnie.”

Now the Pasadena resident plays “basically for the competition, about once a month.” He searches online for miniature golf tournaments in the area, and usually travels with son and father.

Taylor found the Severna Park tournament while reading Bay Weekly. He played the course three times, filling a pocket notebook with his observations.

On September 27, the Taylor family treks to New Jersey for their shot at the mini golf title.