SIOUX FALLS — Huron native Rick Werner was one of five inducted into the South Dakota Golf Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Thursday in Sioux Falls.

Joining Werner in the 2023 class of inductees were Tom Hendricks (Yankton); Julie Jansa (Sioux Falls); Ryan Jansa (Sioux Falls); and Dave Austad (Sioux Falls).

Rick grew up in Huron and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1973. In 1973, Rick won the SDGA Amateur Championship. Also, in 1973 he was medalist in the North Central Conference Tournament and was named NCAA All-American that same year. Rick had two top 10 finishes in the National Club Pro Championship, and in 1979 won The Ohio PGA Sectional Championship. Rick is a Life Member of The PGA of America. He was the Teaching Professional at the prestigious Quaker Ridge GC in Scarsdale, NY, Director of Golf at the Country Club of Ashland in Ohio and retiredas Director of Golf at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida after 23 years of service.

Rick was also the Men’s Golf Coach at Washington & Lee University from 2007-2012.

To enhance his teaching skills, Rick spent quality time with outstanding instructors such as John Jacobs, Jim McLean, Gary Wiren, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Bob Toski, Davis Love, Jr., J.D. Turner and others. Over the years, Rick was fortunate to play numerous rounds of golf with Hall of Famers Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi.

Other notables who influenced his career were Jackie Burke, Jr., Byron Nelson, Charlie Sifford, Duane Clodfelter, Ara Parseghian, Dave Hanten, Curt & Tom Byrum, Hobe Richards, Jeff Burey and many others. Rick now resides in Lexington, VA with his wife Judy.