UHS announced on Apr. 20 that four-time Major champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els will headline the 2026 UHS Health Expo, taking place Wednesday, June 24 at En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott. The event is part of the 19th annual DICK’S Open golf tournament.
The UHS Health Expo aims to promote health and wellness education within the community. This year’s program will include an interview and question-and-answer session with Els, conducted by SiriusXM’s Dave Marr on the course’s 18th green after the Pro Am.
John M. Carrigg, president and chief executive officer of UHS, said, “We are incredibly proud to welcome Ernie Els to our community – a world-class athlete and a true legend of the sport. Ernie’s lifelong commitment to health, family, and philanthropy make him an ideal spokesperson for a Health Expo centered on advancing health and wellness education and compassionate, community-based care.”
DICK’S Open Executive Director John Karedes also welcomed Els’ participation: “We are grateful to continue our partnership with UHS and excited to welcome Ernie Els, an extraordinary member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, to this year’s event. Els’ professional and personal achievements exemplify his perseverance and passion, and serve as a reminder that anything is possible in the world of golf – making him a perfect choice for this event.”
The expo will begin at 4 p.m., offering free admission for all attendees who register in advance. Activities include blood pressure screenings; exercise challenges led by clinical experts; healthy parfait samples; giveaways; drawings; skin cancer screenings (with advance registration); as well as demonstrations related to sports medicine, orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, nutrition guidance sessions.
Els is recognized not only for his golfing achievements but also for his philanthropic work through initiatives such as the Els for Autism Foundation—established after his son was diagnosed with autism—and youth development efforts like the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation supporting underprivileged golfers in South Africa. He remains active in professional golf events worldwide.
In addition to participating in both senior-division tournaments and regular events—including competing at this year’s DICK’S OPEN PRO-AM—Els was named Player of the Year by the Golf Writers Association of America in 2024.
As part of tournament week activities from June 22–27—with three rounds broadcast nationally—the public can also attend Family Fun Night featuring a movie screening followed by fireworks on Saturday evening at En-Joie Golf Course.
