Notah Begay Teaches More Than Golf - Friday, October 31, 2008
PHOENIX — Students from Salt River and Lehi Elementary schools sat in amazement as Native American professional golfer Notah Begay III taught them the fundamentals of golf.
"It is great for the kids to come out and hear my story," Begay, Navajo, said. "A full-blooded Indian who graduated from Stanford and is friends with Tiger Woods."
Begay was in Scottsdale Oct. 21 at the Talking Sticks Golf Club to host a golf clinic for Native students from the elementary schools, which are part of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community school district. Begay, who is known by many in Indian Country, often draws crowds of Natives when he's playing on tour.
"Growing the game of golf among Native children has been part of my mission for many years," he said. "I am proactive in reaching out to Indian Country."
Lessons cover how to golf and how to live
The two-hour session with Begay included basic fundamentals, such as how to hold and hit with a golf club, the difference in distance of each golf club, and how each club can either make the golf ball go high, low or curve.
Students then split into groups of two and had a chance to take a swing at a few balls themselves. During this practice session, Begay gave each student one-on-one attention, including pointers and feedback on their hitting.
"My favorite part was when we got to golf and Notah taught us how to use the clubs," said Jeffrey Thomas, an 11-year-old student from Salt River Elementary.
Begay talked to the students once the lessons were over and stressed for them to stay in school and hoped they would strive to graduate from college. He also pointed out that once they have their degrees they can go back to their communities and help them grow.
Begay set up a foundation to carry on his lessons
In the last few years the Notah Begay III Foundation has sponsored events for Native youth to have a chance to meet Begay. A native of Albuquerque, N.M., Begay learned to golf thanks to his father, who started teaching him at age 6. He said growing up in Albuquerque, one didn't see many Natives playing golf. But it did not stop him from following his dream.
He went on to play golf at Stanford University, where he roomed with Woods, and graduated in 1995 with a bachelor's in economics. After graduating, Begay turned pro and has had four PGA Tour victories. He won two in 1999 and two in 2000.
"I think it was cool and I liked learning about golfing," said Thomas Brown, an 8-year-old student from Salt River Elementary School.
Prior to the event, Brown said he did not know who Begay was, but had a different outlook on him when he left.
"I plan to grow up and become a professional golfer just like Notah and go to school," Brown said.
