Golfer Lance Christensen Receives Acts of Excellence Award from the South Dakota Hall of Fame
RAPID CITY, SD—On June 13, 2023, the South Dakota Hall of Fame recognized Lance Christensen, a champion in golf, for his work in introducing both youth and adults to the sport on Pine Ridge Reservation. Laurie Becvar, CEO of the SD Hall of Fame, presented the New Mexico State University student with a 2023 Act of Excellence award at the Red Rocks golf course in Rapid City.
Christensen grew up within the Pine Ridge Reservation of the Oglala Lakota, but he considers himself one of the lucky ones as he did not experience the pitfalls of extreme poverty, depression, and gang violence that so many youth his age experience. However, he has felt depression in the ups and downs of life, and he understands what many of his Lakota peers were facing on the reservation.
While in high school, Christensen was inspired to take his “talent of gold” and share it with the youth of his area in hopes of inspiring Native youth in a new way.
Lance Christensen of Kyle, SD (left) receives his Acts of Excellence Award from SD Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar at the Red Rocks golf course in Rapid City.
“A lot of people were interested in my success at golf,” said Lance. “There was so much talent! I knew that many of the younger kids could connect with golf and enjoy what I have enjoyed, but they just did not have the opportunity.”
Christensen wrote a proposal to the Tribe’s Council asking for their assistance to start a Golf Clinic. Golf was a gift, and his parents instilled in Lance that gifts are meant to be shared. The student pleaded his case to the Council and the resolution passed! Thereafter, twice per week, the Christensens, along with family and friends, introduced the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation to the sport of golf.
Christensen’s coach, Rob Mendoza, took notice of Christensen’s ability and noted that he taught his peers with the clarity of a veteran teacher. The word about the clinic spread and the adults joined the students in golf instruction. Christensen soon had a steady group of 30 golfers, and the clinic remains a success to this day.
“I don’t know if he knew the undertaking when he started, but what he did for the people here is extraordinary,” said Mendoza. “It showed kids there was more to life than getting in trouble.”
A normal drive through the Reservation now reveals a handful of kids practicing in their yards wanting to be like Lance Christensen. Special tribute was paid to Christensen for bringing the sport of golf to the Pine Ridge Reservation, and he was thanked for sharing his love of the sport of golf with the community.
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An exhibit featuring Lance Christensen and his work will be on display at the SD Hall of Fame’s Visitor and Education Center in Chamberlain this summer (and throughout the year), along with the other 2023 Act of Excellence recipients.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Laurie Becvar, Ed.D., M.A.
CEO, South Dakota Hall of Fame
The South Dakota Hall of Fame is a 501c3 organization designed to Honor, Inspire, and Educate. The Hall’s mission is to Champion a Culture of Excellence and the SD Hall of Fame lives out its mission through its programming, including the Acts of Excellence Program. This year, 15 organizations/individuals have been chosen for their Acts of Excellence.