Children from the Salt River Recreation Department’s golf program attended a golf clinic at the Talking Stick Golf Course on October 21 hosted by the Notah Begay Foundation III. Notah Begay (Navajo/Pueblo) is the only full-blooded Native American on the PGA Tour. During the clinic, Begay gave a motivational speech and provided one-on-one golf training, teaching the 9- to 12-year-olds proper golf grip, stance and swings.

Begay was in the Valley the week of October 20 participating in the 2008 Fry’s.com Open, held at Grayhawk Golf Club. The invitation was personally extended by Begay himself. Once he knew he would be in town, Begay put the golf clinic together with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

“I taught them the fundamentals of the game, just to get them off on the right foot,” said Begay. “I also talked with them about working hard at their goals and challenges, and reminded them not to forget where they come from, because as Native people we must always remember our history, language, culture and tradition.

"It's important not to forget where you came from and that you are Native American," said Begay.

During the clinic, the children also had the opportunity to ask Begay questions about playing golf and being famous.

“Being famous has its pros and cons,” answered Begay. “Sometimes your privacy is limited, but celebrities and famous athletes have a tremendous opportunity to give back to their communities, whether it’s through charity, community service or outreach.”

Begay said he always tries to utilize his own experiences to encourage kids to pursue their goals and dreams, and tries to reach out to kids within Native American communities.

A total of 15 children participated in the golf clinic, and Begay was pleased with the turnout. He gave out baseball cards and hats and autographed them. After the clinic was over, Begay and the children sat down to dinner together.

“I learned about all the different [golf] clubs and how to grip,” said Justin Osif, one of the participants. Eight-year-old Lenny Judge said he learned all about gripping and keeping his back straight when hitting the ball.

Kiara Andrews and Samantha Carlos both said they learned a lot from the professional golfer. “I learned what the golf clubs were all called, like a one-iron,” said Andrews.

“I learned how to hit the ball and who Notah Begay was,” said Carlos, “and all the places he went to and how he knew Tiger Woods.” Begay paired up with his friend Tiger Woods in the 2000 Presidents Cup, when they both played for the United States team.

Begay said he has been playing golf since he was six years old and was introduced to the sport by his father. “Golfing has taken me to different corners of the world, meeting very interesting people,” said Begay.

For more information on Notah Begay, go to www.notah.com or www.nb3challenge.com.