The annual Notah Begay III Junior Golf Championship aired on Golf Channel featuring JGAA’s very own! Eight total JGAA junior golfers competed in the world-class tournament showcasing the top junior talent in the country.
Representing Arizona on the girl’s side were current back-to-back Player of the Year Alexis Vakasiuola out of San Tan Valley (Girls 16-18), Julia Herzberg of Gilbert (Girls 14-15), Aubrey Hilgers of Litchfield Park (Girls 14-15) and Beau Ellington of Paradise Valley (Girls 12-13). Vakasiuola finished inside the top-10 in the Girls 16-18 division at 3-over par over the course of three days (72-73-74-219). Herzberg posted two scores in the red to secure a T-3 finish at 3-under par (70-73-70-213). Right behind her in the Girls 14-15 division was Aubrey Hilgers in 10th place at 3-over par (70-77-72-219). Beau Ellington concluded the Girls 12-13 division at T-11 with a total score of 1-under par (73-72-70-215). The event was contested Nov. 2-4, 2024 at Koasati Pines in Louisiana.
As for the Boys, Xander Mulder of Scottsdale (Boys 16-18), Connor Bringhurst of Scottsdale (Boys 14-15), Asher Nelson of Scottsdale (Boys 14-15) and Maverick Midthun of Gilbert (Boys 12-13) all teed off in the National Championship Nov. 7-9, 2024 at the same venue. Mulder put on a great showing in the Boys 16-18 division, wrapping up the event in a tie for 7th at 2-under par (71-36-67-174). Bringhurst brought the heat in the Boys 14-15 division with a 4-under 66 in the final round to end up solo-third at 4-under par for the event (73-33-66-172). Nelson concluded the tournament T-9 in the Boys 14-15 division at 1-under par (67-36-72-175). Midthun earned a top-5 finish in the Boys 12-13 division after three-straight rounds in the red. He wound up shooting 7-under par (69-35-66-170).
The NB3 JNC features a series of qualifiers held across the country, leading up to the national championship. The competition is divided into age groups for both boys and girls, typically ranging from 12 to 18 years old. Players must first advance through regional qualifying events to earn a coveted spot in the national championship.
The national finals are held at world-class venues, often showcasing some of the most challenging and well-regarded golf courses in the country. Since its inception, the championship has grown to become one of the most respected and highly anticipated events in junior golf. This year it was held at Koasati Pine at Coushatta in Louisiana.
Tune in to watch our top players go head-to-head against the very best.. The Notah Begay III Junior National Championship (NB3 JNC) is a premier junior golf tournament in the United States, created to provide aspiring young golfers with a platform to compete on a national stage. Named after its founder, Notah Begay III, a four-time PGA Tour winner and the only full-blooded Native American to play on the PGA Tour, the championship reflects Begay’s lifelong commitment to growing the game of golf and fostering opportunities for the next generation.
The Notah Begay III Junior National Championship was established in 2019 with the mission of identifying and supporting top junior golfers from diverse backgrounds, including those who may not have had access to elite-level competition. This initiative was inspired by Begay’s own experiences as a junior golfer and his passion for giving back to the community.
The NB3 JNC stands out for its inclusive approach, offering opportunities to players from a wide range of skill levels, ages, and backgrounds. In particular, it strives to elevate youth from underrepresented groups, reflecting Begay’s dedication to diversity in golf.
Since its launch, the championship has gained national recognition, attracting many of the most talented junior golfers in the country. For participants, it serves as a pathway to collegiate scholarships, exposure to college recruiters, and even professional careers. The tournament’s coverage by platforms like Golf Channel further amplifies its reach and significance, giving players an opportunity to showcase their skills to a broader audience.
In a short time, the NB3 JNC has solidified its reputation as a top-tier event in junior golf, celebrated for its high level of competition, inclusivity, and commitment to developing the next generation of golf stars.
