July 8, 2025 - For Immediate Release
Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M. – The Notah Begay III Foundation announced the return of the NB3 Matchplay at Twin Warriors, a premier collegiate golf event hosted by Notah Begay III and presented by the Pueblo of Santa Ana. Nusenda Credit Union will return as the official financial sponsor, supporting this nationally televised event and its mission to elevate Native youth and communities.
This round-robin match play competition will feature eight NCAA Division I golf teams: four women’s teams and four men’s teams. Each team will compete in three matches, earning points toward the overall championship title.
Nusenda Credit Union is returning as the official financial sponsor, deepening its investment in this nationally televised competition and the NB3 Foundation’s mission to improve outcomes for Native youth.
“We are proud to return as the official credit union partner for 2025’s NB3 Matchplay,” said Michelle Dearholt, President and CEO of Nusenda Credit Union. “After witnessing the impact of last year’s event, and seeing the difference this initiative made for youth, families, and our communities, we’re increasing our support. With new teams and fresh competition, we’re excited to build on the momentum and continue this meaningful partnership with Notah and the NB3 Foundation.”
This year’s competition features eight NCAA Division I programs in a round-robin match play format. On the men’s side: the University of New Mexico, University of Oregon, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and New Mexico State University. On the women’s side: the University of New Mexico, University of Arizona, Texas A&M University, and New Mexico State University.
The NB3 Matchplay is open to the public with free admission, and will include an autograph area for high school and junior golfers to meet collegiate athletes. Proceeds from the event will support the work of the NB3 Foundation, which creates opportunities for Native youth through culturally rooted health and wellness programs.
Host and event founder Notah Begay III, a four-time PGA Tour winner and Native American leader, shared his excitement for the tournament’s return: “This championship will once again bring together some of the most talented collegiate golfers in the country. Amidst the backdrop of the largest hot air balloon fiesta in the world, this event is a win for student-athletes, the Pueblo of Santa Ana, and the entire state of New Mexico.”
Local pride and community partnership continue to be at the heart of the tournament. Derek Gutierrez, Director of Golf and General Manager of Santa Ana Golf Club, added: “We’re proud to host the Second Annual NBIII Collegiate Matchplay at Twin Warriors Golf Club this fall. This event is a continued celebration of elite collegiate golf, uniting talented student-athletes in the spirit of competition and community. My sincere thanks to Notah Begay III, the Pueblo of Santa Ana, and our Santa Ana Golf Club Board of Directors for their support in bringing this impactful event back to our community.”
For the full event schedule, updates, and more information, click here or visit www.nb3college.com.
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About The Pueblo of Santa Ana-Tamaya
The reservation encompasses approximately 79,000 acres in Sandoval County along the northern border of the town of Bernalillo. Tamaya is made up of three villages Rebahene, Ranchitos and Chicale. The Tribal council is composed of all the pueblo’s head of households. The Governor and Lt. Governor are appointed each year to oversee the pueblo’s government and political responsibilities. More than 950 tribal members call Tamaya “home” and most of them still speak the native Keresan language on a daily basis. The pueblo is situated 5,400 feet above sea level, set against the wall of the Black Mesa and along the banks of the Jemez
About Notah Begay III Foundation:
The NB3 Foundation is a national, award-winning Native-led nonprofit leading the way to improve the health of Native American children. Each day, thousands of Native Youth wake up facing significant health challenges and barriers to living full lives. The good news is that most of these challenges are preventable and together we are changing this reality. NB3F funds Native-driven, culturally centered programs in an effort to provide direct opportunities for Native youth to live healthy, active lives. We believe that success must be driven at the local level focusing on holistic prevention which includes the child, family and community.
About Nusenda Credit Union
Nusenda Credit Union is New Mexico’s largest locally owned and operated credit union with over 280,000 members and more than 900 employees. It has more than 30 branches throughout New Mexico and West Texas, serving the communities of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Taos, Valencia County, Socorro, Deming, Las Cruces, and El Paso. There are hundreds of ways to join the credit union. Connect with Nusenda Credit Union at www.nusenda.org; Facebook @NusendaCU; Twitter @NusendaCU; and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nusenda-credit-union.
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Media Contact: Eric Harrison, (505) 610-0419 or [email protected]