Leaving his own mark: Notah Begay III honored for Native youth work
He’d rub a small strip of chiih across his cheek — just a little below each eye — before every match. It was part of the routine for Notah Begay III. The red clay (chiih in Diné bizaad) he donned in his youth was a symbol — an homage to a people he never asked to represent, and yet never shied away from when he was thrust into a position to do so. So, when the narrative of that young golfing ...
Notah Begay III, a golf legend from Albuquerque, is being honored with the 2026 Payne Stewart Award by the PGA Tour and Southern Company. Begay, who has dedicated his life to serving his Native American community, rose to fame after winning the National Championship at Stanford while teaming up with Tiger Woods. He began his career by wearing a small strip of chiih, a red clay symbolizing his Navajo heritage, before every match.
However, after his success on the golf circuit, he stopped using the clay because it was mischaracterized as "war paint" by the media, which he found to be a stereotype of Native Americans.
Begay has been very clear in his stance against perpetuating such stereotypes. He explained that the clay was a symbol of his acknowledgment of the journey he was about to embark on and a way to honor his Native American roots. He also mentioned that he was one of the few, sometimes the only, actual representatives of a Native American community that has often been portrayed unfairly in media, movies, and history books.
Despite his success on the golf course, Begay's primary focus has always been on making an impact in his community. He founded the NB3 Foundation, a Native-led nonprofit organization based in Santa Ana Pueblo, which focuses on improving health, wellness, and instilling leadership skills in Native American children. Begay's foundation stands on the shoulders of many, as sports and healthy activities have always been crucial to his life and mission.
Notah Begay III's journey from a young golfing prodigy to a respected community leader is a testament to his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of Native American youth.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
