'Don’t Bet Against Him Breaking That Win Record' - Begay On Tiger
Speaking to Golfweek, Notah Begay, a close friend of Tiger's, explained that he felt the 15-time Major winner has another victory in him
In an interview with Golfweek, four-time PGA Tour winner and close friend of Tiger Woods, Notah Begay, revealed that he believes Tiger has "got one more (win) in him," with the 50-year-old adding "don’t bet against him breaking that win record at some point down the road."
Begay, who has known Tiger for almost 40 years, was speaking ahead of the Presidents Cup, where he is in fact captain for the American Junior team.
Covering an array of topics, including his availability to play on the Champions circuit, attention soon turned to his good friend, Tiger, with Begay giving us a few details after the 15-time Major winner was recently videoed practicing on the range.
Tiger's back at it... pic.twitter.com/EBIbPcgJwDSeptember 13, 2022
"Based on level of discomfort, I would say he’s putting in an hour to two hours (of practice) still," stated the NBC Sports and Golf Channel analyst. "That guy has got a high level of pain tolerance. He’s pushing it. He wants to play again. Don’t bet against him breaking that win record at some point down the road."
Tiger was last seen in a competitive environment at the 150th Open Championship. Walking the 18th at St Andrews on the Friday, he was rather emotional as thousands of fans cheered and applauded him on one of the most iconic holes in golf. Following the emotional scenes, Tiger stated "I may not be back."
After having surgery following a severe car crash that left Tiger with multiple fractures to his leg and foot, the 46-year-old returned to the sport, playing at that year's PNC Championship alongside his son, Charlie. At the event, he dismissed any idea that he would use a cart if he were to return to the PGA Tour.
What's more, at the Genesis Invitational, a tournament that Tiger hosts, he revealed that he would return, but not play a full schedule: "I can play certain events here and there, but on a full-time level, no, that will never happen again."
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When asked whether Tiger should "be allowed in the elevated events?" Begay gave a pretty clear and concise answer... "I think he should be allowed anywhere he wants. I think there’s got to be some sort of provision; anybody that’s made over a hundred million – he should have his own category.
"In terms of what he’s done for the Tour economically over the last 30 years and then just sort of as a de facto spokesperson now for what’s happening, he should be able to access those events, and I promise you, there won’t be one player in the PGA Tour system that would say anything about it."
Upon his competitive return at the Masters, Tiger shot an under-par first round which left him near the top 10. Making the cut was a miracle in itself, but over Saturday and Sunday, he was clearly struggling as he shot a round of 78, his highest score in 93 rounds at the Masters Tournament.
However, as proven in 2019, you can never write Tiger off and, according to one of his good mates, he believes that the 82-time PGA Tour winner has "got one more in him, one more stretch of golf at some point," with Begay stating "I hope I’m there when it happens." Don't we all, Notah!
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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