The Largest Golf Dinner in America

Ernie Els has 76 professional career victories to his name, including four Major Championships, two World Golf Championships and a record seven World Matchplay titles.  As a former World No.1 Ernie is one of the most prolific winners of his generation and the global reach of his victories is almost without parallel. Ernie was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011 and the South African Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.

Ernie has uniquely transcended his sport by virtue of his groundbreaking charitable endeavors and fundraising. Ernie and his wife Liezl founded The Els for Autism Foundation in 2009, spearheading a campaign that led to the opening in 2015 of The Els Center of Excellence in Florida, a world-class site hosting leading-edge programs and services for individuals with autism. Ernie’s other great philanthropic passion is The Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation in South Africa, established in 1999 with the purpose of identifying and assisting young individuals predominantly from families of limited resources and to deliver to them educational assistance and golfing opportunities.

Networking and cocktail receptions brought old and new friends together, and at 7:00 PM, attendees gathered in the ballroom to take their seats as Dave Marr, III, son of well-renowned golfer Dave Marr and a golf host for SiriusXM Radio, took the stage for his fifth year as the Master of Ceremonies. Guests heard from Ouimet Fund President William Healy, MD, who thanked the many sponsors and clubs in attendance. The Ouimet Fund Executive Director, Colin McGuire, spoke to the crowd about some of The Fund’s highlights from 2022 and future goals.

Ouimet Fund Trustee and presenting sponsor Richard F. “Dick” Connolly, Jr. presented Susan J. Curtin with the first award of the evening, the annual Richard F. Connolly, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. We were thrilled to recognize Sue’s dedication to The Fund for nearly 20 years and celebrate her contributions in front of so many of her friends, colleagues, and family members. Sue graciously accepted her award and dedicated it to her dear friend, a co-founder of Boston Golf Club, John D. Mineck, whose spirit is perpetually remembered by the Ouimet Endowed Scholarship established in his name.

Another highlight of the night was hearing from this year’s student speaker Anthony Adelizzi, who ignited the audience with his emotional speech about embracing his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The crowd was on their feet cheering after Anthony spoke about his time working at Hyannisport Club under the mentorship of Dave Wilson and how he is currently studying at Methodist University working toward his dream of becoming a Class A PGA Professional. After receiving a standing ovation, Fund President Dr. Healy presented Anthony with special news: Anthony would receive an additional Ouimet Scholarship for the year to cover his entire unmet need.

Later in the evening, Mr. Connolly was honored to present Ernie Els with the 2023 Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf before Ernie and Dave Marr, III entertained the audience during a fireside chat.

Guests were fortunate to hear stories from Ernie’s childhood in South Africa, his early wins and celebrated career, and how his mentor Nick Price acted like a big brother to him. He also spoke about something meaningful in life beyond trophies, sharing stories about his son Ben, whom he described as his best friend, and how he inspired the outstanding work Ernie and his wife Liezl are doing through their foundation, Els for Autism. We were thrilled the Executive Director of the Els for Autism Foundation, Dr. Marlene Sotelo, flew in from Florida to be with us.

The Fund was additionally honored that family members of both Francis Ouimet and Eddie Lowery were in attendance. Francis’ granddaughter Sheila Macomber and his great-granddaughter Caitlin Wallerce (along with their husbands Ed and Alan, respectively) joined Eddie Lowery’s daughter Cynthia Wilcox and her husband Tom, along with their son James and his wife Maria, in what was a special evening to remember the legacies of their legendary relatives.

The Fund extends a huge thank you to the Encore Boston Harbor for hosting another extraordinary evening. Thank you to the many sponsors who made this night possible and all the clubs in attendance. We thank Sue and Anthony for their impactful speeches and incredible stage presence. Lastly, thank you, Ernie and Liezl, for making the 2023 Annual Banquet an unforgettable evening.

Click to Watch Ernie and Dave’s Fireside Chat.