Kinder – October 30, 2026 -- The best junior golfers in the NB3 JGNC Series tee off at Koasati Pines in Kinder, Louisiana, with the Girls National Championship on November 1-3, 2026 and the Boys National Championship on November 6-8.
3,500 juniors chased 320 spots
More than 3,500 golfers ages 10 to 18 entered this year's three-stage qualifying process. Only 320 earned a place in the championship field. The events are held at Coushatta Casino Resort, home to Koasati Pines, which the resort calls the top-rated golf course in Louisiana. Title sponsor Skechers brings new events to the series this year.
Founder Notah Begay III says the draw is exposure. "Creating those opportunities for the next generation is what this game is about," he said, noting that players compete on a national stage and can be seen by college coaches.
Begay arrives as a Payne Stewart Award winner
In July, the PGA TOUR named Begay the 29th recipient of the Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company, which honors character, charity and sportsmanship. He was recognized in August at the TOUR Championship in Atlanta. Begay is a four-time PGA TOUR winner and Golf Channel analyst. He founded the NB3 Foundation in 2005 to support Native American youth.
David Sickey, Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, congratulated Begay on the award and welcomed players and their families to the resort.
Golf Channel airs more than four hours in prime time
The series launched in 2020. Golf Channel will broadcast the national championship in prime time, with more than four hours of coverage.