PGA golfer Notah Begay III to host clinics at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes

Notah Begay III, current NBC Sports and Golf Channel commentator and a four-time winner on the PGA Tour, will host two, free one-hour golf clinics  Aug. 10 at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.

Begay, the most decorated Native American golfer in history, will host a kids clinic for ages 16 and under at 8 a.m. and a complimentary golf clinic for adults-only at 10 a.m. In addition, Begay will be the special guest at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Bogle Vineyards Wine Dinner at 5 p.m. that evening in the club’s Arroyo Grille.

“Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club and Troon create a world-class golf experience that challenges golfers of all skill levels and provides a unique opportunity to grow the game in Native American communities,” Begay said. “I’m excited to participate in a day of activities that highlights the successes and attractions of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and gives me an opportunity to teach the game to community youth.”

During the golf clinics, Begay and the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes PGA professional staff will help attendees with the fundamentals of golf and sharpening the swings. Registration is required and space is limited for the golf clinics. Priority registration is available for Ak-Chin Indian Community Members. Register for the golf clinics by emailing Devin Lowe at [email protected] or by calling 520-426-6830.

“We are excited and deeply honored to be hosting Notah Begay, the most successful Native American golfer in history of the PGA Tour, at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. Notah has always been very philanthropic with growing the game in Native lands and his appearance on the 10th will be a special memory for all in attendance,” said Brady Wilson, PGA, general manager, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.

Begay will be the special guest at the Bogle Vineyards Wine Dinner. For $65 per person (plus tax and gratuity), the Wine Dinner includes a five course meal with each course paired with a different Bogle Vineyards wine. Bogle Vineyards wines will be available for discounted purchase, with a two bottle minimum purchase per person required. Reservations are required and attendees must be 21 years or older. Wine Dinner reservations can be made by calling 520-426-6832.

Begay, the only full-blooded Native American to have played on the PGA Tour, was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Begay secured a scholarship to Stanford University, where he earned a degree in economics in addition to earning All-American honors three times and leading the golf team to a National Championship in 1994. In addition to winning four PGA Tour tournaments, Begay became only the third player in the history of professional golf to shoot 59 in a professional event. He partnered with good friend Tiger Woods in the 2000 President’s Cup.

When Begay is not on the golf course, he dedicates his time to positively impacting the Native American community. In 2005, Begay launched The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation. The Foundation works to battle obesity and diabetes in the Native American youth. In addition, Begay owns a golf course development firm and works exclusively with Native communities to develop world-class golf properties.

“The Ak-Chin Indian Community is excited and honored to have one of the more visible Native Americans throughout the United States provide a clinic at our Southern Dunes Golf Club, which is rated among the top golf courses in Arizona by Golfweek magazine,” said Ak-Chin Tribal Chairman Robert Miguel. “Notah Begay will not only provide a wonderful clinic for our children and members, but his presence will inspire and motivate all in attendance, in particular Native Americans, that their dreams can become a reality through hard work, desire, motivation and support.”