The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation, which promotes sports and wellness to youth within Native American communities, launched a partnership with The PGA of America to host three "Play Golf Native America” days nationwide.

The initiative kicked off today with the first "Play Golf Native America" day in conjunction with the fourth annual NB3 Challenge at Turning Stone Resort's Atunyote Golf Club. The event included a clinic from PGA Tour Professional Notah Begay III, fitness training from David Donatucci, director of fitness and performance for The PGA of America, free golf lessons and clinics from Central New York PGA Professionals, and presentations on health and nutrition.

Two remaining events, in September and November, will be part of National Obesity Prevention Month and National Native American Heritage Month. One event will be conducted at a Native American-owned golf facility in California with the Morongo Tribe and the Southern California PGA Section.

There are more than 70 tribally-owned golf courses across the United States. This growth has resulted in increased interest in the sport by Native Americans. In 2010, The PGA of America established an alliance with the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) to collectively promote golf as a fun, healthy activity for the entire family.

"The PGA of America is excited to join the NB3 Foundation in educating and mentoring golf's next generation of players," said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. "Our sport is best served by those who understand the importance of advancing both training and life values to our country's youth, and the NB3 Foundation reflects that passion."

The NB3 Foundation and The PGA will also launch a co-branded grant program to support underserved communities. Among the areas of support are golf equipment, apparel, transportation, costs of golf instruction, course fees; providing curriculum for NB3 & PGA Sports Academy, diabetes and obesity prevention training and incentives for players.

"Our greatest obstacle is providing access and opportunities for Native American youth to be healthy," said Notah Begay III, 4-time PGA TOUR winner and founder of the NB3 Foundation. "Thanks to our new partnership with The PGA of America, we will have new opportunities to introduce to the sport of golf to Native American youth, with the underlying mission of educating them on the prevention of type 2 diabetes and developing leadership skills. It is these types of programs that will foster long-term social change, and help youth realize their full potential as future leaders of Indian Country."