Notah Begay III expressed during an interview on ESPN 101.7 "TEAM Talk" that the return of the NB3 Match Play Tournament underscores his commitment to his community and the sport, emphasizing the significance of offering a platform for local athletes to excel.
"It's free. Come out and watch," said Begay III, founder. "Bring Aiden back. He's one of the best players that's recently come out of this state. We will always have New Mexico schools participate in this event."
According to Yahoo Sports, the announcement of the second annual NB3 Match Play Tournament is part of Begay's ongoing efforts to promote golf among Native American youth and provide opportunities for local athletes to compete nationally. The tournament will be held at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, and will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel, enhancing its visibility.
The 2025 NB3 Match Play Tournament will feature men's teams from the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), and University of Oregon. Women's teams from New Mexico, New Mexico State, Texas A&M University, and University of Arizona will also participate. Each team will engage in three matches under a round-robin format designed to mirror professional play. The tournament aims to prepare collegiate athletes for competitive formats encountered on the PGA and LPGA Tours.
Admission to the tournament is free for all attendees, making it accessible for families and golf enthusiasts throughout the region. Organizers have arranged opportunities for youth interaction, including autograph sessions with collegiate golfers and community outreach programs. These activities are intended to inspire future generations of Native American and New Mexican golfers.
Begay was born on September 14, 1972, in Albuquerque. He is a four-time PGA Tour winner and one of the few Native American professionals in golf, with Navajo and Pueblo heritage. After retiring from professional play, he attended Stanford University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He later joined NBC Sports and Golf Channel as a golf analyst in 2013.
