Begay Happy To Be In U.S. - Tuesday, June 19, 2007
| CROMWELL, Conn. -- Notah Begay III is experiencing new cultures, languages and golf courses on the European Tour. But Monday he was on familiar turf at the TPC at River Highlands, where he won the 2000 Canon Greater Hartford Open. He makes his first U.S. tournament appearance this year in the Travelers Championship. "Where's my game?" said Begay, 199th on the European money list. "I don't know. I'm looking for it. I haven't played in six weeks because of sciatica in my back." Begay is in the Travelers field only because he received a sponsor's exemption. "All I could have done was play on the Nationwide Tour or on the European Tour this year if I didn't get exemptions," he said. "I figured the European has Ryder Cup players, and I think the competition is generally better than the Nationwide." Make no mistake, Begay, 34, wants to earn back his PGA Tour card. "I started out so well early in my career [with four victories in 1999 and 2000]," he said. "But I've struggled with my back mostly. Feel good, body hurts, rehab, play, then get hurt again. If my body is hurting, my game is hurting." While resting the last six weeks, his spirits have been uplifted. "I feel good about things I do off the course," said Begay, a Native American. "I started a foundation two years ago that works with Native Americans and awards a scholarship to encourage Native Americans to go to college. I work with tribes in golf business and consulting. ... And during the last two weeks, I spoke at two high school graduations." Begay said he felt as if he returned home Monday while hitting on the range. He hopes returning to River Highlands, where he tied for ninth last year - his highest 2006 finish - will rejuvenate him. "My expectations aren't high, but this is one place where I've had good success and good feelings for obvious reasons. We'll see what happens." |
