BOSTON, Mass – The Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf, presented annually since 1997 by the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, honors individuals for their significant contributions to the game of golf. The inaugural recipient was none other than Arnold Palmer and the list of honorees reads like a who’s who in golf: Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Ernie Els, President George Bush, Jim Nantz, Annika Sorenstam, Julie Inkster and more.
In the 75-year history of the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund nobody has meant more to the fund than Richard F. Connolly Jr. As a scholarship Alumnus, Director, Trustee and President, Connolly has served the Ouimet Fund for over 40 years. He is the Fund’s single greatest donor, including an endowed scholarship in his family’s names that continues to significantly impact Ouimet Scholars every year.
As a token of appreciation the Fund is honoring Dick Connolly with the 2025 Francis Ouimet Award for Lifetime Contributions to Golf at this year’s annual banquet scheduled Monday April 21 at Encore Boston Hotel.
America’s largest golf dinner will feature a special sit-down discussion with Connolly, moderated by Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner, who will be making his third guest appearance as the “Fireside Chat Moderator.”
“This is a great honor and wonderful tribute from everyone involved with the Ouimet Fund,” said Connolly in a recent Legacy Fund podcast. “In my career I always wanted to lead by example with honesty and a strong work ethic. And as many of my friends know I attribute many of those qualities and character were learned at a young age as a caddy at Woburn Country Club. I am forever grateful to golf and the life it has provided to my family and me. My time and generosity to the Fund is only one way to give back to future generations.”
Due in large part to Connolly’s efforts, the Ouimet Banquet has become an annual tradition in New England, honoring golf’s most respected individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the game. The annual banquet typically sells out with upwards of 1400 attendees and according to the Ouimet website this event is sold out.
Connolly started as a caddie as an 8-year-old at Woburn Country Club and then joined the course superintendent crew. He worked 15 years at the course and earned a Ouimet Scholarship to attend the College of the Holy Cross. He has never forgotten where he came from and the help he received at a young age, making a lifelong commitment to educational and philanthropic institutions with his wife Ann Marie.
Following last year’s Banquet, Connolly retired as the Managing Partner of The Connolly Group at Morgan Stanley. He enjoyed an acclaimed career as a financial professional, managing investment portfolios for more than 50 years as one of the top brokers in the country. One of his clients was Arnold Palmer, who became a dear friend and a passionate supporter of the Ouimet Fund. Dick was instrumental in expanding the Annual Banquet in 1997, an event in which Palmer was the first recipient of the Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf.
In recognition of his legacy, advocacy, and philanthropy in the world of caddying, Connolly was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame by the Western Golf Association in 2023.
This year marks the 25th Banquet since Palmer’s recognition and the annual event has raised more than $15 million to benefit Ouimet Scholars.
