Notah Begay III Drives Native Youth Golf Access

Former PGA Tour golfer Notah Begay III is expanding efforts to provide health, leadership, and athletic opportunities for Native American children through the Notah Begay III Foundation as the organization reaches its 21st anniversary.

Begay, the first full-blooded Native American to play on the PGA Tour, began his journey after working at Ladera Golf Course in Albuquerque during his youth. His early access to the sport led to a scholarship at Stanford University, four PGA Tour victories, and a broadcasting career with NBC Sports and Golf Channel.

Reflecting on his early realization of his unique position as a Native American athlete speaking to high school students in To'Hajiilee, Begay highlighted the responsibility that came with his athletic success.

"What on Earth could I tell these kids that’s going to help them because I’m in the same boat that they are," Begay said.

His perspective deepened as he transitioned from competitive professional golf through career injury, personal challenges, and depression toward community service initiatives.

"It was very clear to me that through golf and the road that I was on, this was going to be part of my life," Begay said. "I was always going to be a de facto spokesperson for the American Indian people."

Begay credited early support from local golf staff for opening the doors that enabled his professional achievements.

"Without Don Zamora, I never make it to the Tour," Begay said. "He gave me the access, which is why the access initiatives are so important to me in our foundation's work and our junior golf initiative. Sometimes kids just need a chance."

The foundation continues to create avenues for young athletes, including Pine Ridge Lakota reservation golfer Lance Christensen Jr., who earned a tournament exemption and subsequently achieved Division II All-American honors.

"All these kids who had been playing against each other all summer were looking at each other going, who is this kid? I couldn’t believe it, like, I didn't know he had that kind of heat," Begay said.

Begay views the progress of young athletes as the ultimate goal of his foundation's mission.

"That’s a huge win," Begay said. "I promise you he’s going to go back and be a strong leader in his community for the next generation."

Now focusing entirely on service, Begay defines his career by the community impact generated through his charitable programming.

"You don’t do the work because there’s something waiting for you at the end; you do the work because that’s who you are," Begay said. "Through my work now, it's always about how can I serve other people?"