John Long, a former law enforcement officer from Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, has made it his mission to introduce the game of golf to the community. Despite growing up without any exposure to the sport himself, Long developed a passion for golf as a form of escape from the challenges he faced in his job on the reservation. Through his efforts, he has established a First Tee program at Pine Ridge, with over 200 kids participating in the program to learn swing fundamentals and life skills.
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is one of the largest reservations in the United States, covering over 11,000 square miles and home to the Oglala Lakota Nation. The reservation faces significant socio-economic challenges, with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and crime. Long, who grew up on the reservation as one of nine children raised by a single mother, went on to pursue a career in law enforcement before retiring in 2017. Golf has become a central part of his life, providing a sense of escape and connection.
Long’s introduction to golf came through colleagues on the force who invited him to play in a scramble. While it wasn’t love at first swing, Long soon became hooked on the game. He saw the potential for golf to serve as a positive outlet for kids on the reservation, offering them an opportunity to stay out of trouble and develop valuable skills. Long’s son, Tristen, also learned the game at a young age and went on to play on scholarship at Dickinson State University.
Despite the lack of existing golf infrastructure on the reservation, Long has been able to establish junior golf programs at local schools with the support of a USGA grant. Through these programs, kids are not only learning the fundamentals of golf but also important life skills such as honesty and integrity. Long has seen promising signs of progress, with one girl from his program qualifying for the state championship and earning a scholarship to a community college.
Long’s ultimate goal is to see the development of a modest golf course on the reservation, providing a dedicated space for recreation and introducing more kids to the game of golf. In the meantime, he continues to grow his First Tee program and has recently accepted a coaching role at Lakota High School to further expand his impact. With dedication and perseverance, Long is making a lasting difference in the lives of young golfers at Pine Ridge.
