Notah Begay III Wins 2026 Payne Stewart Award

A Golf Legacy Rooted in Character

At 53, Notah Begay III has been named the recipient of the prestigious Payne Stewart Award, a tribute to his sportsmanship and unwavering commitment to charitable work. The four‑time PGA Tour winner, who also boasts an All‑America first‑team selection at Stanford, helped the Cardinal capture the 1994 NCAA Championship. As the only full‑blooded Native American ever to compete on the Tour, Begay’s career includes victories in both 1999 and 2000. This honor recognizes the way he has used his platform to lift others, especially young Native Americans, throughout his life.

Begay will accept the award on August 25 during the Payne Stewart Award Ceremony, which will be televised on Golf Channel as part of a “Golf Central” special from 7‑8 p.m. ET at the Southern Exchange in downtown Atlanta. The event coincides with the Tour Championship, adding a star‑studded backdrop to the recognition. Southern Company sponsors the $500,000 grant that accompanies the award, splitting funds between the Stewart Family Foundation and Begay’s chosen charities.

From College Stars to Tour Champion

After an outstanding collegiate career at Stanford, Begay entered professional golf with immediate success, securing back‑to‑back wins in 1999 and 2000. His playing days were marked not only by competitive achievement but also by a growing dedication to giving back. Once his competitive schedule eased, Begay pivoted into broadcasting, debuting on Golf Channel in 2010 and later joining NBC Sports in 2013 as an on‑course reporter. Today he serves as an analyst for Golf Channel, sharing insights earned from decades on the course.

Beyond the broadcast booth, Begay remains deeply involved in Native American communities. He is a National Native American Hall of Fame inductee and a vocal advocate for youth wellness and cultural preservation. His outreach spans mentorship programs, health initiatives, and the creation of golf opportunities in underserved tribal areas, illustrating a career built as much on purpose as performance.

Founding the NB3 Foundation

In 2005 Begay established the NB3 Foundation, a Native‑led nonprofit aimed at tackling health and wellness challenges faced by Native American youth. The organization has reached more than 80,000 young people and their families across the United States, offering programs focused on physical activity, nutrition, personal development, and cultural connection. Begay allocates $200,000 of his $500,000 award directly to this foundation, ensuring that existing projects receive sustained support.

Through NB3 Consulting, Begay partners with tribal nations to design golf courses and recreational facilities, while the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship provides a national platform for aspiring players from all backgrounds. This championship feeds into the Tour’s Pathway to Progression player development pipeline, helping identify talent in communities that have historically lacked access to elite golf opportunities.

How the $500,000 Grant Will Help

The Payne Stewart Award’s $500,000 grant is split between the Stewart Family Foundation ($200,000) and charities selected by Begay. After a competitive selection process, Begay directed $200,000 to the NB3 Foundation and an additional $100,000 to the Albuquerque Community Foundation, which supports education, health, and economic advancement in New Mexico. These contributions aim to expand existing programs and fund new initiatives that address the multifaceted needs of Native communities.

Southern Company’s chairman, president, and CEO, Chris Womack, praised Begay’s impact, noting that his work has helped “thousands of young people pursue healthier lives and brighter futures.” The grant underscores a shared belief that sports figures have a responsibility to leverage their visibility for meaningful social change.

What the Award Means for Native Golf

Begay’s recognition as the 29th recipient of the Payne Stewart Award shines a spotlight on the achievements of Native athletes at the highest level of professional golf. By honoring his character, compassion, and leadership, the award also validates the broader contributions of Native Americans to the sport and its culture. Fans and industry insiders alike view this moment as a catalyst for increased visibility and support for initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the game.

The honor arrives at a time when Begay is already shaping the next generation through both his foundation and his broadcasting work, reinforcing the idea that a legacy built on service can inspire lasting change. As he prepares to accept the award, the golf world celebrates not just his on‑course triumphs, but the profound off‑course impact that continues to ripple across Native communities and the sport as a whole.