4th NB3 Challenge

Hunter Mahan and Cristie Kerr Team Up to Repeat as Champs at Fourth Annual Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge

Latest Edition of Event Thrills Golf Fans and Raises Awareness and Funds to Improve Health and Wellness of Native American YouthThe team of Hunter Mahan and Cristie Kerr outshot a competitive field of stars from the world of men’s and women’s golf and captured their second consecutive title at the fourth annual Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation Challenge. The duo finished the mixed team, best ball tournament at Atunyote Golf Club course at Turning Stone Resort & Casino 11 under par, one shot clear of the runner-up pairing of Rickie Fowler and Annika Sorenstam. Not only did the NB3 Foundation Challenge provide an entertaining tournament for golf fans, the event also raised $500,000 for the NB3 Foundation, aiding the Foundation’s effort to improve health and wellness for youth in Native American communities across the country.

“Our event provides an incredible platform to raise awareness for the health issues–namely obesity and diabetes–that are affecting Native youth at a startlingly high rate,” said the event’s host and four-time PGA TOUR winner, Notah Begay III. “It’s through the support of great golfers, the Oneida Indian Nation and all those who attend that we’re able to continue our mission of building a sustainable movement empowering these kids to lead healthier, more successful lives. I’m so humbled and grateful for everyone’s contributions.”Tiger Woods honored by captain's pick

By Bob HarigWoods was at Atunyote Golf Club at Turning Stone on Wednesday as part of the Notah Begay Foundation Challenge, a one-day event featuring eight players. The event was originally scheduled for July 5 but was pushed back due to the knee and Achilles injuries that kept Woods from competing until the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in early August.

Begay is a four-time PGA Tour winner and former teammate of Woods' when they were at Stanford.

"He's been the world to me," Woods said of Begay. "He's been like a big brother."

Woods was paired with LPGA star Suzann Pettersen in the mixed-team best ball format. Others in the competition are tour players Begay, Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan, along with LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis. Begay's foundation supports Native American youth.Comment:  The Woods/Pettersen team came in third and the Begay/Gulbis team fourth.

Perhaps because the tournament was delayed, quarterbacks Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys and Sam Bradford (Cherokee) of the St. Louis Rams weren't present.

I don't think I've heard Woods speak so warmly of Begay before.

The event raised $500,000, down from $1.25 million last year and $1 million two years ago.

For more on the subject, see Woods, Bradford to Golf with Begay and 3rd NB3 Challenge Raises $1.25 Million.