The 2025 Native Youth Golf Championship brought together some of the best young golfers in Indian Country. From July 20 to 22 at Santa Ana Golf Club, more than 60 Native youth competed on a championship-level course, gaining valuable experience and testing their skills.
Now in its sixth year, the championship continues to provide Native youth the opportunity to come together and compete at a high level with the chance to advance to the NB3 Junior Golf National Championship. Players advancing to nationals will have the opportunity to play among the best, gain exposure to the growing world of junior golf and take part in an experience that supports both athletic and personal growth.
NB3 Foundation founder Notah Begay III hosted a golf clinic to open the event, sharing lessons on fundamentals, strategy and mindset.
“You all are the best Native youth golfers in America,” Begay said. “This is a tough game, and I’m very real about what it takes to play at a high level. This is where it starts. This is where we get a good sense of what it requires to be a tournament golfer.”
The championship featured standout performances across every division, highlighted by a playoff finish in the girls 16–18 bracket. In a hard-fought round, Kezia Danner clinched the win and will advance to the NB3 Junior Golf National Championship in Coushatta, Louisiana. She will replace Jada Dickson, who has already committed to playing collegiately at Haskell Indian Nations University.
This year also included several repeat champions, Santana Parraz, Braxton Thomas, Amelia Silva, Wyatt Basford and Deviond Gachupin, who continued to showcase their consistency and growth in competition.
Division champions
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Santana Parraz, Navajo Nation, girls 10–11
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Braxton Thomas, Cherokee Nation, boys 10–11
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Amelia Silva, Waianae, Hawaii, girls 12–13
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Wyatt Basford, Cherokee Nation, boys 12–13
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Dani McTague, Chickasaw and Potawatomi, girls 14–15
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Deviond Gachupin, Pueblo of Jemez, boys 14–15
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Jada Dickson Navajo Nation, girls 16–18
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Kezia Danner, Navajo Nation, girls 16–18 (advancing to nationals)
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Keola Silva, Waianae, Hawaii, boys 16–18
The championship was made possible thanks to Santa Ana Golf Club, the Pueblo of Sandia, NB3 JGNC and the supporters and donors of the NB3 Foundation who continue to create opportunities for Native youth to succeed. Their commitment ensures Native youth have the chance to compete, connect and grow through the game of golf. The NB3 Foundation looks forward to building on this year’s success in 2026.
