The NB3 Foundation Pro-Am Invitational in Arizona is not structured like a traditional tournament. It carries a different weight—one that extends beyond competition and into purpose, access, and long-term impact. Hosted at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, the event brings together PGA Professionals, amateurs, partners, and industry leaders in an environment that balances high-level golf with a clear philanthropic mission—delivered in partnership with Elite Golf Experiences.
At the center of the experience are the two courses at Whirlwind—Cattail Course (Gary Panks) and Devil’s Claw Course (Gary Panks)—both designed to reflect the natural desert landscape of the Gila River Indian Community. Wide playing corridors, strategic bunkering, and pristine conditioning create a setting that is both playable and demanding, allowing teams to compete while still engaging with the environment around them. The absence of surrounding real estate gives the courses a sense of openness that is increasingly rare, particularly in modern resort golf.
The format itself defines the rhythm of the week. Teams consisting of PGA Professionals and amateurs move through multiple rounds of competitive play, where performance matters, but so does interaction. Conversations develop naturally between rounds, on practice facilities, and during shared evening experiences. This structure creates a dynamic that feels less transactional and more relationship-driven—something increasingly valuable in both business and golf environments.
A defining presence throughout the event is Notah Begay III. His involvement is not just symbolic; it reflects a continued commitment to the foundation’s mission of improving the health and wellbeing of Native American youth. That purpose is integrated into the fabric of the event, shaping not only its identity but also the experience for participants. It adds context to the competition, reminding everyone involved that the impact extends well beyond the leaderboard.
Behind the scenes, the execution of the event reflects a clear vision. Leadership and coordination—driven by individuals such as David Damesworth who ensure that every detail aligns with both the competitive and experiential goals of the week. In collaboration with Elite Golf Experiences, the event is structured to deliver a seamless flow between golf, hospitality, and high-level engagement, reinforcing the quality and consistency expected from a premier Pro-Am platform.
The setting at Gila River further reinforces the experience. Gila River Resorts & Casinos provides a backdrop that blends modern comfort with regional identity. Evenings transition from the intensity of competition into relaxed environments where players, partners, and guests reconnect, reflect, and continue conversations started on the course.
What distinguishes the NB3 Foundation Pro-Am Invitational is not any single element, but how those elements align. Championship golf, purposeful impact, and a carefully structured environment with a purpose that creates an experience that feels cohesive and intentional. It is competitive without being rigid, social without being superficial, and impactful without being overstated.
This is not a one-time event. It represents the early stages of something larger—a platform that brings together golf, community, and opportunity in a way that is both scalable and meaningful. The Arizona edition serves as a foundation, setting the tone for what this series can become in the years ahead—with Elite Golf Experiences playing a key role in shaping and elevating the participant experience.
Be part of a purpose-driven golf experience where competition, connection, and impact come together through Elite Golf Experiences.
