Tiger Conquers NB3 Challenge

Verona, N.Y. - Who do you call to bring in 750,000 charitable dollars for a one day skins game? If you are Notah Begay III, you call your college roommate who just happens to be the world's number one ranked player, Tiger Woods. Tiger, along with defending challenge champion, Camilo Villegas, former Masters champion, Mike Weir, and tournament host, Notah Begay III, a four time tour event winner, delighted the crowd. Young and old, both genders and all races enjoyed the intimate venue with just one foursome and a little over 3,000 people watching. You might wonder about the traffic management of that many fans on each hole, but everyone politely conspires about where they want to stand for optimum viewing. They line the entire hole being played, and holes ahead, watching from afar until their close up comes into play. There was no pushing or shoving, and only compliments heard about a great event.

In the pre game press conference, a few questions were fielded and all were directed to Tiger. The mediator asked that the last 2 include everyone and the next media person said, yes we should include everyone but Tiger this one is for you.... So then the mediator asked the final question, directed to Mike Weir, Camilo Villega, and Notah Begay III. Camilo responded first that he had been falling asleep for lack of interest. He was paid more attention to on the course, however. When Camilo Villega, the People magazine's choice of hottest bachelors, sprawls on the green like a spider to get his read, there are cheers. He's 27 and some of us can remember what that was like by watching him.
Camilo can hope with all young golfers to take the limelight from Tiger some day but he can never take away the inspiration and awe that is the eye of Tiger. His hole in one on the famously rowdy number 16 at the Phoenix Open in ‘97 inspired a deafening cheer. Our son was there and it inspired him to draw Tiger and other sports pictures and to play on the high school team. Tiger is still the player he studies to improve his own swing, like millions of golfers worldwide.

It was great to see all the kids watching today. One said his school called and offered him the ticket so he said ,"sure!" Jokingly he told us, "Of course I would have paid the $330 (the minimum ticket price) anyway to see this." Notah was generous with tickets for kids around central New York, giving them an opportunity to see the best of role models.
Mike Weir is a great player and an all around good guy that couldn't quite make a skin today. Tiger drew first blood with a win at the second for $20,000. Trading pars and birdies were constant until Camilo picked up a carryover of $180,000 on hole 14. Approaching 17, Camilo had the lead with $200k against Tiger's $180k. Tiger's birdie there gave him another $50k and he won the match with $230,000. The final hole was the last chance for Notah and Mike to get a skin. The long par 5 proved to be the host's favorite hole as he sunk a 6 foot birdie putt for the last skin of the day worth $70,000.

The biggest winner of the day was the Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3) with its check for $750,000. The foundation was designed to provide sustainable health and wellness programs for Native American youth. Type II diabetes and obesity is rampant within their community and the program is educating its youth on nutrition, diet and exercise to offset this dreaded disease. Imagine challenging the problem before it starts. Now that is health care reform. The Oneida Indian Nation and the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians made possible this collaboration between NB3 Foundation Challenge to educate all Native American youth nationwide. Notah Begay III is the only full blooded Native American on the PGA Tour.

Notah was in his glory with his roommate helping to make $750,000 for his foundation. When asked if Tiger does this very often he said no, but he would do anything for Notah. They have been through a lot together and he is so proud of his friend for giving back to his community. Have you called your college roommate lately?  For more information visit www.Notah.com