Notah Begay III joins Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort as ambassador

Notah Begay III has joined Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, as Founding Ambassador & Strategic Advisor one week after receiving the PGA TOUR’s 2026 Payne Stewart Award. The move ties one of golf’s best-known Native voices to a property that is trying to grow into a nationally recognized destination ahead of the Sept. 14-16 New Mexico Open.

Why it matters: - Begay’s role gives Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort a high-profile golf figure with New Mexico roots and national visibility. - The partnership could help the resort strengthen its golf brand, guest experience and media reach as it pushes for broader recognition. - The announcement comes just before the 2026 New Mexico Open Golf Championship, increasing attention on the property and on Elephant Butte.

What happened: - One week after receiving the PGA TOUR’s 2026 Payne Stewart Award, Notah Begay III joined Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort as Founding Ambassador & Strategic Advisor. - Begay is a four-time PGA TOUR winner, longtime NBC Sports and Golf Channel analyst and Albuquerque native. - Begay will advise resort leadership on golf, the guest experience and the long-term direction of the New Mexico destination. - Begay will participate in selected golf and resort activities, strategic discussions, major events and media initiatives. - Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort said it is the only New Mexico golf or resort development Begay represents as an ambassador and spokesperson. - Begay will return to the resort Sept. 14-16 for the New Mexico Open Golf Championship Presented by New Mexico True. - Begay and broadcaster Ryan Burr will host three days of live tournament coverage.

The details: - Begay received the Payne Stewart Award on Aug. 25 during TOUR Championship week in Atlanta. - The PGA TOUR award recognizes a golfer who best exemplifies Stewart’s values of character, charitable efforts and sportsmanship. - Begay has stayed closely connected to New Mexico throughout his career. - Begay founded the NB3 Foundation in 2005 to improve the health and opportunities of Native American children and communities. - Begay also founded the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship. - Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort is owned by PreReal Investments, led by founder and CEO James Prendamano. - Prendamano said the partnership reflects a shared effort to build something meaningful and help shape the resort’s future. - Kris Strauss, executive vice president of global sales and marketing at Troon, said Begay’s addition signals where the property is headed. - Eli Eilers, head golf professional at Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort, said Begay brings leadership, dedication, integrity and generosity. - Mayor Richard Holcomb said Begay’s involvement will bring more attention to Elephant Butte and its outdoor recreation opportunities. - The 2026 New Mexico Open Golf Championship Presented by New Mexico True will be played Sept. 14-16 at Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort. - The event is administered by the Sun Country Section of the PGA of America and is one of New Mexico’s longest-running golf events. - Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort says the property features an 18-hole championship golf course, residential neighborhoods, planned resort amenities and a growing calendar of golf lifestyle events. - The resort is located in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, near Elephant Butte Lake.

Between the lines: - The appointment connects a local sports figure with a New Mexico property trying to position itself beyond a standard golf course. - Begay’s ambassador role adds credibility with golfers, sponsors and media because of his playing record, broadcast work and Native community leadership. - The timing around the New Mexico Open gives the resort an immediate platform to showcase the partnership.

What's next: - Begay is expected to appear at the resort for the New Mexico Open Sept. 14-16. - Begay and Burr will provide live coverage during the tournament. - Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort is likely to use Begay’s role in future golf, resort and media initiatives as it expands. - The resort’s push for national recognition will likely build around its golf events, guest experience and community profile.

The bottom line: - Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort just added a respected local golf star at a key moment in its growth plan, and the New Mexico Open will be the first major test of that partnership.