Notah Begay III: These days the Grey Goose Gateway Tour is not just for developing future stars on the PGA Tour, it’s also for former players who are trying to make it back to the big leagues. Notah Begay III, a four-time winner on the PGA Tour, is spending this week and next honing his game on the Grey Goose. It’s been a big help for Begay, as otherwise he would not have a place to play since the Nationwide Tour is currently on a three-week break.

“The Grey Goose Gateway is a terrific tour, with a lot of really good players,’’ said Begay after his round at Palm Valley in Litchfield Park. “The tournaments are well-run, and I’m getting my repetitions.’’

These have been tough times for Begay dating back to last season, when a severe muscle strain in his back caused him to quit playing in mid-August. As a result, he ended up 129th on the money list ($583,537), and lost his exempt status. But the PGA Tour granted him a medical exemption, and he has six events to earn $42,725, or the difference between his earnings and Tag Ridings ($623,262), who ended up fully exempt at No. 125.

“So far, it hasn’t gone that great,’’ Begay said of his comeback, which includes two missed cuts and just one check for $6,300 for finishing tied for 64th at the Chyrsler Classic of Tucson. “I’m progressing, although I’d like to see some better results.’’

The problems with Begay’s back can be traced to the 2000 season, when a severe tear between two disks also knocked him off Tour. “Then last year, (the latest injury) really scared me, so I took the time off trying to heal it,’’ said Begay, 32, who lives in Albuquerque. “It’s been so frustrating, because it’s been five years since I’ve played well.’’

After playing golf at Stanford on the same team with Tiger Woods, Begay made a name for himself on the Nationwide, where he became the first player to shoot 59. He also earned enough money that year to advance to the PGA Tour, where he won twice in 1999, and two more times in 2000, the Greater Hartford Open being his last win.

Regarded as the most successful Native American to play professional golf -- Begay is half Navajo, one-quarter San Felipe and one-quarter Isleta -- he still has the unusual putting style of putting right-handed or left-handed depending on the line his putt breaks. “I’m still confused,’’ the good-natured Begay said with a laugh.

But he’s much more focused when it comes to the future. “It’s been very interesting,’’ he said of his trials and tribulations. “It’s frustrating and yet people have been so good to me, very supportive,’’ he said. Begay plans to play in next week’s Grey Goose event at Superstition Springs in Mesa.

“Then I’ll return to the Tour for Wachovia Championship (in three weeks), and play the following two weeks at the Bryon Nelson and the Colonial,’’ he said. “Even if I don’t make the money, I’ll get into about 20 tournaments the rest of the year because of my past champions status and my finish last year on the money list.’’ No doubt, many friends and fans will be rooting for him.

On his game: “I’m just not scoring, even though I’m hitting a lot of fairways and greens. Like today, when I turned a (potential) four- or five-under round into a one-under rounds.’’

Speaking frankly: “I love to come over here to Phoenix. It’s a nice trip (from Albuquerque), it’s a great golf town, and I’ve got a lot of friends here.’’

NOTEWORTHY

New address: Magique Golf has moved its showroom and factory to 8270 S. Kyrene Road, Suite 103 in Tempe. In addition, Magique president Sean Sheppard is offering a free club-fitting ($75 value) through April 30 on its new Cyber Sports Coach system. For information, visit www.magiquegolf.com.

Seniors on tap: Bill Dodd, a teaching professional at Continental Golf Club in Scottsdale, will defend his title April 26-28 in the Apache Gold/Arizona Senior Open at Apache Stronghold near Globe.

Final thought: For those who have always wanted to play in the Masters, here’s an alternative: The Masters of Fun tournament May 6 at Trilogy of Vistancia in Peoria, which supports Goodwill of Central Arizona’s charter school. The format: Dress like Carl Spackler, get heckled, and have a “Caddyshack kind of day.’’ For information, visit www.goodwillaz.org.