May 3rd, 2025 will be remembered as a life-changing day for one Delmar resident who struck gold with a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket. The fortunate winner, who chose to remain partially anonymous under the nickname “19th Hole,” purchased what turned out to be a million-dollar ticket after enjoying a round of golf at Nutters Crossing Golf Club in Salisbury.
Lucky golfer scores million-dollar scratch-off win
The winning moment came unexpectedly for the Delmar man who stopped at a Salisbury gas station following his golf game. Little did he know that this routine stop would result in a windfall of $1 million from a “$1 Million Royale” scratch-off ticket that cost just $20.
“19th Hole” described his reaction to the Maryland Lottery officials as more shocking than exciting. “I’ve been more excited for a $1,000 win. This one was more of a shock,” he explained during his prize claim on May 1st at the Lottery headquarters.
The initial moment of discovery came when the winner scanned his ticket at the Express Lane store. The screen displayed “$1 million,” but due to the game’s name containing the word “million,” he initially experienced confusion. It wasn’t until he double-checked the results on his phone that the reality of his good fortune sank in.
The winning ticket was purchased in Salisbury’s growing commercial district, adding another success story to the town’s recent economic developments.
| Lottery Game | Ticket Cost | Jackpot Amount | Purchase Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1 Million Royale | $20 | $1,000,000 | Express Lane, Salisbury |
Spouse learns of jackpot win during work break
In a remarkable coincidence, the winner’s wife called him during her work break just moments after he had confirmed his lottery win. According to lottery officials, the man’s excitement was evident even over the phone.
“He was stuttering pretty good,” his wife told Maryland Lottery representatives when they visited the headquarters to claim the prize. The couple’s reaction demonstrates the overwhelming emotional impact such unexpected windfalls can have on lottery winners.
The timing of the call added a special element to their story, allowing the winner to share his excitement immediately with his spouse rather than waiting until she returned home from work. This serendipitous moment of connection made the victory even more memorable for the couple.
While many lottery winners experience disbelief when first discovering their good fortune, “19th Hole” had the unique opportunity to process the news with his partner in real-time, creating a shared memory that will likely last a lifetime.
Different plans for million-dollar windfall
The Delmar couple has varying ideas about how to utilize their newfound wealth. According to the Maryland Lottery, “19th Hole” intends to invest his winnings, taking a conservative approach to manage the substantial sum.
His wife, however, has different aspirations for their financial blessing. “Retire early,” she reportedly told lottery officials when asked about her plans. This contrast in priorities reflects the personal considerations many lottery winners face when deciding how to handle unexpected wealth.
Financial experts often recommend lottery winners to consider the following options when managing a significant windfall:
- Seeking professional financial advice before making major decisions
- Creating a balanced plan that includes investments, debt reduction, and personal enjoyment
- Setting aside funds for tax obligations associated with the winnings
- Establishing long-term security through diversified investments
- Considering philanthropic opportunities that align with personal values
The couple’s different approaches highlight the important conversations that typically follow a major lottery win. While immediate retirement might appeal to some, others prefer to invest for sustained financial security over time.
Maryland lottery continues creating millionaires
This Delmar resident’s win represents just one of many success stories from the Maryland Lottery’s scratch-off games. The “$1 Million Royale” game that produced this particular windfall is part of the lottery’s premium ticket offerings, providing players with opportunities for substantial cash prizes.
The Maryland Lottery contributes significantly to state resources, with proceeds supporting various public initiatives. In fact, the agency generates over $1 billion annually for the state, funding education, public health, public safety, and environmental programs.
For players interested in trying their luck, the odds of winning vary by game and prize level. The most significant factors that influence your chances include:
- Number of tickets in circulation for a specific game
- Total number of winning tickets at each prize level
- Number of top prizes that have already been claimed
While “19th Hole” experienced the thrill of a lifetime with his million-dollar win, the Maryland Lottery reminds players to enjoy their games responsibly. This particular success story demonstrates how an ordinary stop following a leisure activity like golf can sometimes result in extraordinary outcomes.
As the Delmar winner prepares to invest his winnings and potentially support his wife’s early retirement dreams, their story joins the collection of lottery success narratives that continue to inspire hopeful players across Maryland and beyond.
- Summer solstice 2025 : when and how to celebrate the longest day of the year - November 10, 2025
- Thunderstorm warning : Map shows areas affected across UK this weekend - November 8, 2025
- Attention required ! Essential security alert strategies to protect your digital accounts - November 7, 2025
