Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship Returns to Coushatta for Seventh Year

The Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship Series returns to the Koasati Pines golf course at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana. The Girls National Championship takes place November 1–3, 2026, followed by the Boys National Championship November 6–8, 2026. This edition features junior golfers from across the globe, new events from title sponsor Skechers, and recognition for founder Notah Begay III.

More than 3,500 junior golfers ages 10 to 18 competed for 320 championship spots through a three-stage qualifying process. The series remains one of the most competitive and inclusive junior golf platforms worldwide.

Competitive Platform Draws Global Field

Notah Begay III, founder and namesake of the NB3 JGNC Series, said: “Every year, these young golfers remind me why we started this championship. They come from all over the world for the chance to compete on a national stage and be seen by college coaches. Creating those opportunities for the next generation is what this game is about, and there is no better place to do it than Coushatta.”

The event brings together young athletes and their families at the tribal resort property.

Milestone Recognition for Begay and Tribal Host

In July, Begay was named the 29th recipient of the PGA Tour’s Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company. The award honors character, charity, and sportsmanship. He was recognized in August at the Tour Championship in Atlanta for his work through the NB3 Foundation, which he founded in 2005 to support Native American youth. Begay is a four-time PGA Tour winner and Golf Channel analyst.

David Sickey, Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, said: “Each year, we are proud to welcome these young athletes and their families to Koasati Pines and Coushatta. We also congratulate Notah on receiving the Payne Stewart Award, an honor that reflects the character and generosity he has demonstrated throughout his career.”

As reported by Indian Gaming, the championship return aligns with Coushatta’s established role as host for this national junior competition. The event creates visible opportunities for participants while marking Begay’s latest recognition for sustained contributions to Native youth development. Operators of tribal gaming properties may note the sustained draw of such partnerships in elevating both sport and community profiles in the years ahead.