CommunityPERSONAL
Began playing golf at age 6. Father played in a business league while working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Notah would tag along for the twilight, nine-hole competition. In summer would save spare change for bucket of range balls and then asked head pro at Ladera Golf Course near his home if he could work at course for playing privileges.
Most successful Native American golfer, with four TOUR victories. Half Navajo, one-quarter San Felipe and one-quarter Isleta.
In a continuing effort to honor heritage, conducted a junior clinic in Philadelphia, MS, home to the Choctaw Indian Reservation, two weeks prior to the 2002 Southern Farm Bureau Classic. "I hope to sort of continue to help (Native American) junior programs along, and work with them to increase the diabetes awareness within their community. These are some of the pivotal issues that are an integral part of my agenda as reaching out to Native American groups.".
Started the Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3) in 2005, designed to raise awareness and build support for the health and wellness of Native American youth, with a primary focus on fighting obesity and diabetes. Has hosted the "NB3 Challenge" every year since 2008, a charity golf tournament which unites members of the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour to raise funds for related New Mexico-area programs. To date, nearly 8,000 kids have benefitted from the event held in Verona, NY. In 2011, hosted the 1st annual “Game Changer Awards,” an initiative which recognizes individuals making positive contributions within their New Mexico communities. Also serving as a fundraiser, the “Game Changer Awards” raised more than $45,000 in its first year.
Has putted left- and right-handed, depending upon direction the putt breaks.
Brother Clint caddied in his two 2000 victories.
The movie, "Windtalkers," starring Nicolas Cage and Christian Slater, tells the story of the 375 Navajo Indians recruited to help in intelligence during World War II. Begay's grandfather, the late Notah Begay, was one of the Navajos recruited to assist the U.S. government. His grandfather was a radioman and was stationed on the front line.