The pairing of Hunter Mahan and Cristie Kerr outshot a world-class field of PGA and LPGA TOUR stars to win the third annual Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation Challenge. The winning twosome finished the mixed team, best ball tournament at 10 under par, two shots better than the runner-up pairing of Rickie Fowler and Annika Sorenstam, at the challenging Atunyote Golf Club course at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, N.Y. The tournament raised $1.25 million for the Notah Begay III Foundation.

“The NB3 Foundation Challenge is about building change among Native American communities and their way of life,” said the event’s host, Notah Begay III. “Our event gives us a tremendous opportunity to amplify the issues of obesity and diabetes among Native American youth, and drive forward with our mission of creating a national youth movement to empower the good health and leadership development among these kids.”

With a who’s who of professional golfers from the men’s and women’s game and a compelling new format, this year’s event buzzed with excitement. All of the players involved gave the crowd of 4,000
a day full of unforgettable golf shots and memorable moments during the 18-hole tourney. Mahan and Kerr grabbed the lead from Fowler and Sorenstam with a birdie on the 16th hole. The pair iced the victory when Mahan drained a birdie putt on the 18th hole, earning each a share of the $100,000 winners’ purse.

“Today’s event was all about helping Notah continue his mission and his foundation’s mission of tackling the challenge of obesity and diabetes among Native American youth,” said Hunter Mahan.

“He (Notah) is so committed to the cause, and it was an honor to play with him and all of these great golfers and support the work of the NB3 Foundation,” Cristie Kerr said after accepting this year’s championship trophy.

Mahan and Kerr walked away with the tournament hardware, but the true winners of the NB3 Foundation Challenge are the Native American youth and communities that benefit from the Foundation’s efforts to push forward on obesity and diabetes prevention and leadership development.

The funds raised during the 2010 NB3 Foundation Challenge will be used to continue the development and promotion of sustainable and innovative sports and wellness programs to fight the disproportionate incidence of obesity and diabetes among Native American youth. To date, the Foundation has implemented year-round soccer and golf programs engaging close to 1000 Native American youth in New Mexico alone. The Foundation has also played an instrumental role in the creation and development of a state-of-the-art soccer field and community park for the San Felipe Pueblo – the first-ever recreational facility in its history. The park, which opened on August 23, 2010, provides an outlet for the entire community to be more physically active.

The NB3 Foundation Challenge is made possible by the strong and ever-growing partnerships with the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians and the Oneida Indian Nation. These relationships demonstrate what can be accomplished when tribes come together and donate time and resources to issues important to Native American communities.

“In many respects, we have forgotten the ways of our ancestors who relied on their physical fitness to gather and hunt so their families and communities could survive,” said Chairman James Ramos of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians. “The proceeds of this tournament can help Native communities to become reacquainted with the traditions of our ancestors for overall good health and well-being by instilling healthy habits and lifestyles among our youth.”

“The NB3 Foundation Challenge provided guests with a unique opportunity to watch 12 of the world’s best players from the PGA and LPGA Tours,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and CEO Ray Halbritter. “As with our recent Turning Stone Resort Championship, all proceeds went to charity. It is gratifying to be able to host an event that showcases our region and provides an economic boost to businesses throughout our community, while raising much-needed funds for charitable initiatives.”