Only Native American on PGA TOUR to Represent
New York State's Premier Resort

Oneida Nation Homelands - The Oneida Indian Nation today announced the signing of professional golfer Notah Begay III to a two-year agreement to become an ambassador for its Turning Stone Resort. Begay, the only Native American on the PGA TOUR, has four career victories and has earned more than $5.1 million since turning pro in 1995.

This past summer's B.C. Open was moved to Turning Stone's Atunyote Golf Club after the En-Joie Golf Club in the Binghamton area was damaged by flooding.  In August, Turning Stone and the PGA TOUR announced the resort would host the Turning Stone Resort Championship as the opening event of the Fall Series in September 2007.
As ambassador, Begay will represent Turning Stone in all personal and professional appearances, the Turning Stone logo will be featured on Begay's golf bag and Web site, Begay will designate Atunyote as his home course, and he will conduct a youth clinic during the week of the Turning Stone Resort Championship.

"Notah is an outstanding golfer and a fine representative of our culture and heritage, which he has proven through countless hours of giving back to the American Indian community," said CEO Ray Halbritter. "We very much look forward to this relationship."    

  
"It's an honor to represent Turning Stone and the Oneida Indian Nation," said Begay. "The tradition and values of the Oneida people and Turning Stone were apparent this summer when they volunteered to host the B.C. Open on very short notice. I look forward to playing on a world-class golf course here next fall."

A native of Albuquerque, N. M., Begay also is a National Spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and helps lead the fight against diabetes by encouraging Native American communities to pursue healthier lifestyles. In 2005, Begay and his father founded The Notah Begay III Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization that delivers youth sports programs in Native American communities in the form of golf and soccer programs.  For more information on Notah Begay III, visit www.notah.com.