Boston, Mass.–Since 1997 the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund annual banquet has become a tradition unlike any other in Boston, honoring golf’s most accomplished individuals while raising valuable funds to need-based men and women who qualify.

The annual banquet is America’s largest golf dinner, and the stage was first set by Arnold Palmer–while 25 others have graciously accepted the award.

Ernie will be honored at the 2023 fundraising gala scheduled Monday April 3 at Encore Boston Harbor, which annually attracts upwards of 1,500 guests.

“We are thrilled to have Ernie Els as the 2023 Banquet Honoree,” said Ouimet Fund Executive Director Colin McGuire. “Not only is Ernie Els one of the most prolific winners of his generation, he and his wife Liezl have transcended the sport with groundbreaking charitable endeavors and fundraising by founding in 2009 “The Els for Autism Foundation” shortly after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism.

Els owns 72 professional career victories including four major championships, two World Golf Championships and a record seven Match Play titles. As a former #1 Ernie’s global outreach is almost without equal. He was inducted into the WORLD GOLF HALL of FAME in 2011 and the South Africa Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.

When they started their Foundation, 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.

The Ouimet Fund’s purpose is to help deserving young people, who have worked at golf courses in Massachusetts, obtain a college education. Since 1949, The Fund has awarded over $46 million in scholarships to more than 6,470 deserving men and women.

The Francis Ouimet annual golf banquet has become an annual fixture in the Boston golf community. Previous honorees include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, President George Bush, Jim Nantz, Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam, Ben Crenshaw, Chi Chi Rodriguez and more.