Nike N7 Jr. Golf Experience held at the TPC Scottsdale course

Christopher Lomahquahu

Gila River Indian News

Native youth teed off at a golf clinic just yards away from the 2019 Waste Management Open, the Nike N7 Jr. Golf Experience was held at the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course on Jan. 27. 

The event, was sponsored by the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation, The First Tee of Phoenix and the Ak-Chin Indian Community, and in partnership with Nike N7. 

The event was a first for a Native-based organization to host an event in partnership with a high-profile event like the Waste Management Open. 

Sam McCracken, N7 General Manager, said, “It’s our first ever Jr. Golf Tournament in the state of Arizona. We’d really like to thank our sponsors and recognize the Akimel O’otham land, that we are hosting this event on, [here] today.”

CEO of N7 Golf Robin Herrington said, “It’s an action-packed day, as we officially launch the N7 Junior Golf Experience.”

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis was present to welcome the group of Native youth, who took part in the clinic. 

“The Notah Begay Foundation is a great organization, that encourages the youth to be active in the game of golf,” said Lewis. 

Lewis also said the junior golf event promotes a positive influence among the youth and aspiring golfers. 

To help the kids put a little step in their swing, Nike N7 ambassador and Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) golfer Gabby Lemieux, who is Shoshone and Paiute, provided advice on how to succeed on the green. 

Lemieux, has been golfing competitively since last year and will be competing on the LPGA tour this year. 

Clint Begay NB3FIT Jr. Golf Coaching Team Director said, “We appreciate the opportunity that we have to be here teaming up with Nike N7 and The First Tee of Phoenix. We hope that you walk away with something special about the game of golf.” 

Clint said, Notah is very passionate about the game of golf, which led to the creation of the foundation of NB3 and its work with Native youth.  

Throughout the afternoon, the youth rotated through three different stations, a driving, chipping and putting range.