NBC Golf Analyst Notah Begay III Receives 2026 Payne Stewart Award

Notah Begay III, the former PGA Tour winner and current golf analyst, was recently honored with the 2026 Payne Stewart Award. The presentation took place by surprise during a broadcast break at the 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota, where Aaron Stewart, son of the late golf legend, delivered the news to Begay and his colleagues in the NBC tower.

The award recognizes players who respect the traditions of the game and demonstrate character through charity and community involvement. For Begay, this recognition highlights his work away from the course, particularly through the NB3 Foundation. The Native-led nonprofit, based at Santa Ana Pueblo, is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Native American children while instilling leadership skills.

Begay’s career has spanned from his time as a standout at Stanford—where he played alongside Tiger Woods—to his current role in the media. As a broadcaster, he is employed by Comcast Corporation, specifically working under the NBC Sports umbrella. Comcast trades under the ticker CMCSA and operates a Media segment alongside its Connectivity and Platforms divisions. The company’s stock was recently trading at $26.85, reflecting a daily increase of 1.89% and a market capitalization of approximately $90.7 billion.

Begay’s identity as a Native American athlete has been a central theme of his life. The grandson of a Navajo Code Talker, he has long navigated the responsibility of representation. He notably stopped applying red clay to his cheeks before matches during his playing career after members of the media mischaracterized the traditional symbol as “war paint.” He clarified that the practice was a cultural acknowledgment of the journey ahead, common among runners in New Mexico, rather than an aggressive act. He shifted his focus toward ensuring accurate representation of his people.

Through the NB3 Foundation, Begay has channeled his influence into actionable programs for Indigenous youth. The Payne Stewart Award serves as a high-profile validation of these efforts, cementing his legacy beyond his performance on the fairways.

What to watch

• Future partnerships between the NB3 Foundation and major sports broadcasters.
• Comcast Corporation’s quarterly earnings for growth within its Media segment.
• Scheduled broadcasts featuring Begay during upcoming PGA Tour events.

Source: original release