Notah Begay III Bio
Notah Ryan Begay III (born September 14, 1972) is an American professional golfer widely recognized as one of the few Native American players to have competed on the PGA Tour. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he combines elite competitive credentials with a deep commitment to Native American community development. Since 2013, Begay has served as an analyst with the Golf Channel and NBC Sports, bringing his professional insight to television audiences. He is also a noted entrepreneur, leading several businesses and philanthropic ventures tied to tribal communities.
Early Life and Background
Notah Ryan Begay III was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in the same city that shaped his early love for sport. He is a Native American of Navajo, San Felipe, and Isleta heritage. His first name, in the Navajo language, translates to “almost there.” His grandfather, also named Notah Begay, served as a code talker during wartime, instilling a sense of cultural pride in the family lineage.
In 1990, Begay graduated from Albuquerque Academy, a private high school known for its strong academic and athletic programs. He then enrolled at Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1995. At Stanford, Begay was a three-time All-American and played on the 1994 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship team alongside Tiger Woods, whose teammate he remains closely associated with. He was also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity’s Alpha Omega chapter.
Path to Golf
Begay’s competitive path began during his formative years in New Mexico, where golf and other sports quickly became central pursuits. His time at Albuquerque Academy sharpened his game, and his admission to Stanford offered a national stage. Playing under coach Wally Goodwin, Begay developed into one of the top collegiate players in the country, culminating in the 1994 NCAA team championship.
After completing his degree, Begay turned professional in 1995, opting to chase a career on the developmental Nike Tour rather than pursue the amateur ranks further. The decision paid off: in 1998, he shot a 59 in the second round of the Nike Tour Dominion Open, joining a small group of golfers to break the 60-barrier in a professional event. That season, he finished 10th on the Nike Tour money list, earning a place on the PGA Tour for 1999.
Notah Begay III Career
Early Career (1995-1998)
Begay’s early professional years were spent on the Nike Tour, the developmental circuit that fed directly into the PGA Tour. His steady progression included several strong finishes, and his 1998 campaign was the breakthrough that launched him onto golf’s biggest stage. The 59 at the Dominion Open remains one of the most memorable rounds of his developmental years.
His work on the developmental circuit helped him forge a distinctive competitive identity, including a unique ambidextrous putting style that would later become a recognizable part of his game. By the end of 1998, his full PGA Tour card was secured, signaling the start of his ascent.
PGA Tour Breakthrough (1999-2000)
Begay’s first two seasons on the PGA Tour were remarkable. In 1999, he captured his maiden PGA Tour victory, and the following year he added three more wins, including back-to-back victories in successive weeks. From late September 1999 to early July 2000, a period of just over nine months, Begay recorded four PGA Tour titles, an exceptional run of form for any player.
During this peak period, Begay climbed into the top 20 of the Official World Golf Rankings and earned a reputation as one of the Tour’s most consistent performers. He also converted his only PGA Tour playoff appearance into a victory, finishing with a 1-0 playoff record. His success placed him alongside a small group of Native American golfers who have competed and won at the highest level of the sport.
Injury and Comeback Years (2001-2009)
Following his breakout stretch, Begay battled persistent back trouble that placed his future in professional golf in doubt. He played under a Major Medical Exemption in 2005 with limited success and spent 2006 on the Nationwide Tour, where he worked to regain form and confidence. That same year, he successfully earned a card for the European Tour through their qualifying school, expanding his competitive footprint.
In December 2008, Begay regained his PGA Tour card at qualifying school, returning to the top tier of American golf for the 2009 season. His ability to return to competitive play after years of physical setbacks stood as one of the more determined comeback stories of that era.
Driving Style and Strengths
Begay was recognized for a unique ambidextrous putting method. Using a putter with playing faces on both the front and back of the head, he stroked right-to-left-breaking putts right-handed and left-to-right-breaking putts left-handed. He was the first top-tier player to consistently use such a technique, and the approach became a signature element of his competitive identity.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his four PGA Tour wins, Begay’s milestones include his 59 on the Nike Tour, his appearance in the top 20 of the Official World Golf Rankings, and his successful return to the PGA Tour after years of injury setbacks. He also played on U.S. national teams at both the amateur and professional levels, underscoring his standing within American golf.
Notah Begay III Career Wins
Notah Ryan Begay III recorded five professional wins, including four on the PGA Tour and one on the developmental Nike Tour. His PGA Tour victories came during an extraordinary nine-month stretch that established him as one of the most exciting American players of his generation.
PGA Tour Highlights
Begay’s four PGA Tour titles came in 1999 and 2000. His first win announced his arrival on Tour, while his three additional victories the following year, including back-to-back wins in successive weeks, cemented his status as an elite competitor. He also posted a perfect 1-0 record in PGA Tour playoffs, converting his only appearance under pressure.
Other Wins and Performances
In 1998, Begay won the Nike Tour Dominion Open, highlighted by his historic 59 in the second round. He also earned recognition through U.S. national team appearances at both the amateur and professional levels, and during his developmental years he was a member of the 1994 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship team at Stanford.
Notah Begay III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Notah Ryan Begay III was raised in a family with deep Native American roots. He is a member of the Navajo, San Felipe, and Isleta peoples, and his grandfather, Notah Begay, served as a code talker, a distinction that has been a source of family pride.
Personal Life
Begay is the uncle of Madison Hammond, who in 2020 became the first Native American soccer player to play in the National Women’s Soccer League. Hammond has cited Begay as one of her inspirations, reflecting the cross-sport influence of his career and community standing.
2025 Season Performance
Notah Ryan Begay III continues his work as a lead analyst with the Golf Channel and NBC Sports, a role he has held since 2013. He remains active in tournament coverage and regularly appears during major championship broadcasts, offering commentary informed by his own PGA Tour experience.
Beyond broadcasting, Begay continues to oversee the Notah Begay III Foundation, established in 2005 to provide health and wellness education to Native American youth through soccer and golf programs. He also leads NB3 Consulting, founded in 2002, which works with tribal communities to develop golf courses for economic development, and KivaSun Foods, his bison-based food company that in 2015 secured a federal contract to distribute product through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
As 2025 unfolds, Begay’s professional focus is split between his television duties and his business and philanthropic ventures, all of which continue to elevate Native American representation in sport and entrepreneurship.