If you only glance at this column, you may think it’s about golf. But it’s much more about tribal governments, tribal casinos, tribal businesses, and most importantly, tribal youth. My column honoree has designed tribal golf courses, spoken at major tribal-casino conferences, met with numerous tribal leaders, been a brand ambassador for a major sports-betting company, and even been known to make a bet or two himself.
Notah Begay III was recently honored by the PGA TOUR as the 2026 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award, one of the highest honors that a professional golfer can receive. It’s the one honor not based on golfing excellence, but on an individual’s contributions to their community, even to the greater good of the world.
No one could possibly be any more deserving of the Payne Stewart Award than Notah. How could I be so sure of this? It’s because I have actively been involved raising money for the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation for the last 12 years and have seen firsthand the impact that NB3 Foundation has had in improving the lives of Native American youth. And it’s not just in the $10 million in grants generated for important tribal-health initiatives by NB3 Foundation or the 80,000 Native youth reached with its programs. It’s also in the spirit that Notah has touched in the Native community and those that support his work. And that includes me.
Notah and I both went to Stanford on golf scholarships and played on the Stanford Golf Team. That’s where all similarities end. I played 20 years before Notah. He was a world- class golfer who led Stanford to an NCAA Tournament Championship, went on to win four titles on the PGA TOUR, and later became a respected golf commentator for NBC Sports and the Golf Channel; I was lucky to earn a varsity letter my first year on the team and quickly faded into golf obscurity. Notah is a full-blooded Native American; I’ a Caucasian grandson of immigrant grandparents. Notah has made a huge impact in the world; I, well, am still trying.
How I got involved with NB3 Foundation some 12 years ago is an interesting story. I had previously supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association, then the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling for extended periods. It seemed I had a skill for raising money for them.
As my consulting company’s work became mainly focused on assisting tribes and tribal casinos, I felt it was important to support a Native charitable organization that was making a difference. Several impressed me, but then I stumbled onto a somewhat fledgling foundation in Albuquerque that was doing some very important work with Native youth. It seemed serendipitous – a fellow Stanford golf team alum. A Native American working to make a difference in a world where I already had experience, and contacts, and a desire to help.
I gave a call to NB3 Foundation Executive Director at that time, Crystal Echo Hawk. I told her simply that I wanted to help raise money for the Notah Begay III Foundation and its work. I probably sounded a little TOO enthusiastic on that phone call, but somehow Crystal agreed to embrace my offer to assist Notah’s foundation.
Twelve years later, with the help of NB3 Foundation and a whole bunch of big-hearted companies, tribes, associates, partners and friends, I know we’ve succeeded in raising over a half-million dollars for Notah and his work. I don’t say this to impress, but to see how you too might help Notah. Because, you see, Notah truly cares.
I’ve seen Notah Begay III with groups of Native American children – coaching, mentoring, sharing. I’ve seen him with industry titans. Tribal leaders. Sports celebrities. Front-line service employees. Parents. His family. He’s humble, while being inspiring. He’s thorough, prepared, and focused on simply achieving results. He’s patient and giving to the many (including me) who put demands on him and his time. He has a wicked sense of humor, most evident when he laughs at himself.
What I admire most about the work of NB3 Foundation is its approach. It’s Native led, focused on existing Native community organizations already making a difference. That’s where Notah directs his foundation dollars and he insists on measurable and bigger results from them. He doesn’t micromanage these Native difference-makers. He supports and inspires them. And he learns from them.
I feel like I’ve been more of a “soft touch” than a “strong arm” in my efforts to raise money for NB3 Foundation. I’ve been effective mostly with fundraising events (use these for your own fundraising for the organizations you support!). We’ve conducted a Native Comedy Slam benefit featuring Native American comics. Donated $100 for every registration for our conferences and seminars. Turned our tradeshow networking parties into “Must Make a Donation to Attend” events (a few will grumble, but will donate and like you for doing it). Donated a percentage of certain consulting project revenue. Bought golf foursomes for NB3 Foundation’s New Mexico Grande Slam. Assembled charity auction items. Bought charity auction items. And numerous other effective fundraising activities that I’d be glad to share with you.
If you’re looking for ways to support your tribal-casino clients and are so inclined, please join me in honoring Notah Begay III’s lifelong difference-making work by going to the foundation’s website or direct to the specific link. It would be a great way to celebrate his Payne Stewart Award.
And Notah, thank you from this “old Stanford guy hustling up 20s for you on a par 3 hole,” who like you isn’t too proud to do whatever it takes.
