Woods backs Begay - Thursday, February 01, 2007

Tiger Woods has backed compatriot and close friend Notah Begay III to have a successful season in Europe this year. The 34-year-old has been troubled by a back injury over the last few years and when he played under 'Major Medical Exemption' in 2005 with little success, it put his future as a professional golfer in doubt. But last year he earned a place on the European Tour and made his first appearance on it for six years at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship earlier this month. This week Begay continues his recuperation from injury as he joins defending champion Woods at the Dubai Desert Classic. And World number one Woods, who was a former room-mate of Begay's at Stanford University, believes he will do well if he gets a solid run on the golf course this year. "He has been through a lot with the injuries he has had to battle through," said Woods. "Finally, after about six years, he is feeling healthy. Notah has a lot of talent in the world and he is one of the best putters I have ever seen. "Just give him a chance to play healthy for a year and I know he is going to have success."