Notah Begay III Predicts Tiger Woods’ Return to the PGA Tour—At Two Surprising Events

Notah Begay III wears several unique insider hats. The former PGA Tour winner is now a Golf Channel analyst, giving him insights from inside the game. However, he’s also known for another important role: being one of Tiger Woods’ closest friends. Because of that long-standing relationship, Begay’s predictions about Tiger Woods carry real weight. His latest take suggests that the golf legend is preparing to return to the PGA Tour soon—and he may pick two events he rarely plays.

Begay and Tiger: A Lifelong Golf Bond

Begay and Tiger Woods first crossed paths as junior golfers. Their friendship continued at Stanford University and eventually onto the PGA Tour. Over the years, Begay has provided valuable insight into Tiger’s mindset, often reflecting conversations that could only come from someone inside the champion’s inner circle.

Right now, fans everywhere are asking the same question: When will Tiger Woods return to PGA Tour competition?

Tiger looked ready earlier this year after competing in the inaugural TGL season, but an Achilles surgery sidelined him for the entire year. Then, in October, Woods revealed he underwent a disc-replacement procedure, pushing back expectations once again.

Two Potential Return Venues: Colonial and Harbour Town

Speaking on the Straight Facts Homie! podcast with Trey Wingo, Begay shared new details that sparked excitement among fans. Not only does he expect Woods to return to competitive golf, but he believes Tiger could tee it up at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial and the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town—two courses Woods has combined to play only once.

What makes these tournaments contenders? According to Begay, it has nothing to do with field strength or schedule placement. Instead, it comes down to Tiger’s biggest physical challenge: walking four rounds plus a pro-am.

“The biggest problem is the walking,” Begay said. “He hits it great, he’s in tremendous physical condition. His ball speeds are fast enough—175 to 180 mph. It’s just whether he can walk 72 holes.”

Both Colonial and Harbour Town feature flatter terrain, which may allow Tiger to compete physically.

“Those might be targets,” Begay continued. “He’s played Colonial once, and he’s never been to Hilton Head. So I think those are two things you may see at some point.”

Why Tiger Wants to Come Back: Win No. 83

For Tiger, motivation remains high. Begay believes the biggest pull is history. Woods currently shares the record for most PGA Tour wins (82) with Sam Snead. Securing win No. 83 would make him the all-time leader.

“In his heart-of-hearts, 83 is a big number. It’s an important number.”

If Tiger cannot manage full PGA Tour events, Begay—and many pros—hope he might compete on the PGA Tour Champions, where players are allowed to use a cart.

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A Friendship Rooted in Youth

Begay also reflected on how his relationship with Tiger began more than 40 years ago. He first heard about a young phenom winning junior tournaments by 15 to 20 strokes. That child was Tiger Woods—only nine years old.

Begay approached Tiger after the event, and they soon began traveling and competing together. Tiger’s father Earl Woods supported Begay during tournaments, helping with transportation and meals.

“We became almost like pseudo-brothers,” Begay recalled. “We carried that friendship into college.”

Why Begay Believes Tiger Is the Greatest of All Time

Begay has witnessed Tiger’s entire journey—on and off the course. That lifelong proximity is why he feels confident calling Woods the greatest golfer ever.

“Nobody ever worked harder at the game, and possibly nobody ever had more talent,” Begay said. “That’s why I consider him the best to ever play.”

With new surgeries behind him and historic goals ahead, Tiger Woods’ return to the PGA Tour feels closer than ever. Whether it happens at Harbour Town, Colonial, or a major championship, fans around the world will be watching.

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