What Happened to Notah Ryan Begay III?
Notah Begay III is a former four-time PGA Tour winner who transitioned into a highly respected golf analyst for NBC Sports and the Golf Channel. Beyond his broadcasting career, Begay is widely recognized for his extensive philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Notah Begay III Foundation, which focuses on improving the health and wellness of Native American youth, culminating in his receipt of the prestigious 2026 Payne Stewart Award.
Quick Answer
Notah Begay III, a former PGA Tour professional with four victories, is currently a prominent golf analyst for NBC Sports and the Golf Channel. He continues to be a dedicated advocate for Native American youth through his Notah Begay III Foundation, which he founded in 2005. Most recently, on August 25, 2026, Begay was honored with the prestigious Payne Stewart Award, recognizing his character, sportsmanship, and significant charitable contributions.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Notah Ryan Begay III was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, of Navajo, San Felipe, and Isleta descent.
NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship with Stanford
As a three-time All-American at Stanford University, Begay was a key member of the golf team that won the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship, alongside teammate Tiger Woods.
Turned Professional
After graduating from Stanford with a degree in Economics, Begay officially turned professional.
Shot a 59 on the Nike Tour
Begay achieved a rare feat by shooting a 59 in the second round of the Nike Tour Dominion Open, becoming one of the few golfers to ever record such a score in a professional tournament.
Won Four PGA Tour Events
In a span of just over nine months, Begay secured four PGA Tour victories, including two wins in consecutive weeks, showcasing his talent at the highest level of professional golf.
Founded the Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3 Foundation)
Begay established the NB3 Foundation to address health and wellness challenges among Native American youth, focusing on combating childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes through various programs.
Joined NBC Sports Group Full-Time as Analyst
After making his Golf Channel debut in 2010, Begay joined NBC Sports Group full-time as an on-course reporter and analyst, providing commentary for PGA Tour coverage and other major golf events.
Hosted Junior Golf Clinic
Begay hosted a junior golf clinic for kids through the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, emphasizing his commitment to inspiring Native youth through golf.
NB3 Junior Golf National Championship Announces 'Powered by PDI' Season
The Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship announced its 2026 season would be 'Powered by PDI,' integrating the Player Development Index to enhance junior golfer development and expand qualification opportunities.
Surprised with 2026 Payne Stewart Award News
Begay was unexpectedly informed he was the recipient of the 2026 Payne Stewart Award during an NBC rehearsal at the U.S. Open, an honor recognizing his character, charity, and sportsmanship.
Formally Presented with 2026 Payne Stewart Award
Notah Begay III was formally presented with the 2026 Payne Stewart Award during a ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, in conjunction with the PGA Tour Championship, celebrating his significant contributions to golf and community.
Discussed Payne Stewart Award on Podcast
Begay appeared on the 'Cellini and Dimino' podcast, reflecting on the honor of receiving the 2026 Payne Stewart Award and its significance.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Notah Ryan Begay III, born September 14, 1972, carved out a notable career in professional golf before becoming a respected voice in sports broadcasting and a dedicated philanthropist. A proud Native American of Navajo, San Felipe, and Isleta heritage, Begay played collegiate golf at Stanford University, where he was a three-time All-American and a teammate of Tiger Woods, contributing to the Cardinal's 1994 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship.
After turning professional in 1995, Begay quickly made his mark on the PGA Tour, securing four victories between 1999 and 2000, including two wins in successive weeks. His playing career, however, was significantly impacted by persistent back injuries, which led him to explore opportunities beyond competitive golf. This transition marked a pivotal turning point, as Begay began to channel his passion for the game and his commitment to community into new ventures.
In 2005, Begay established the Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3 Foundation), a national, Native-led non-profit dedicated to addressing health and wellness challenges facing Native American youth. The foundation's programs promote physical activity, healthy nutrition, youth development, and cultural connections, having reached over 80,000 Native youth and their families since its inception. His commitment to this cause has earned him widespread recognition, including being named one of Golf Magazine's Innovators of the Year in 2009 and receiving the Charlie Bartlett Award from the Golf Writers Association of America in 2012.
Begay further cemented his post-playing career by joining the Golf Channel in 2010 and NBC Sports full-time in 2013 as an on-course reporter and analyst. He provides commentary for PGA Tour live tournament coverage, 'Golf Central Live From' programming, and the NCAA Golf Championships, becoming a prominent and respected voice in golf broadcasting.
The most significant recent development in Begay's career is his selection as the 2026 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award. This prestigious PGA Tour honor, which recognizes a professional golfer who exemplifies Stewart's values of character, charity, and sportsmanship, was formally presented to Begay on August 25, 2026, during the Tour Championship week in Atlanta. The award includes a $500,000 charitable grant, with Begay directing $200,000 to the NB3 Foundation and $100,000 to the Albuquerque Community Foundation, further underscoring his enduring dedication to community upliftment. His acceptance speech highlighted his journey from humble beginnings to receiving such a high honor, calling it a "miracle."
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Notah Ryan Begay III made different choices?