Started playing aged six, when his father introduced him to the game. Graduated from Stanford with a degree in economics, and during his time there he roomed with Tiger Woods. Continued the friendship the pair had forged during junior tournaments together, and to this day Begay and wife Apryl and Woods and wife Elin are still close. The Native American, who is half Navajo, one quarter San Felipe and one quarter Isleta, is instantly recognisable on the course, not least for the fact he putts both right and left handed depending on the break of the putt. Put the concept to good use, with four victories on the US PGA Tour in 1999 and 2000. In 2005, set up the Notah Begay III Foundation, whose mission is to deliver youth sports programmes in Native American communities. Chronic back problems restricted his tournament play in America in the last five years, and he decided to resurrect his career in Europe with the added bonus of travelling the world and educating people about Native American history and culture. Continuing back problems mean he will be competing in the 2008 Tour on a medical exemption.