PREVIEW: Dubai Desert Classic - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- For the second time in three weeks, Notah Begay III will play a European Tour event on the Persian Gulf. This week's stop is the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club. "The Dubai Classic will have one of the strongest fields of the year and I'm very excited about the challenge," Notah said. "Any time you have the opportunity to test your skills against players like Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, just to name a few, it's definitely a challenge." After making his first cut of the year at the Abu Dhabi Championship two weeks ago, Notah has stayed on task with his preparation for this week's tournament. According to Notah, "My primary focus during the off week preceding the Dubai Classic was to stay on my fitness schedule, which consists of cardio session four times per week coupled with two strength workouts. The fitness will work in conjunction with my golf preparation which still continues to focus on short game and putting. When a player takes a long layoff such as the one I had over November and December the hardest thing to recover is 'feel' on the touch shots. I will put in countless reps around the greens and in the bunker trying to get that 'feel' back." With a renewed energy this season, along with a clean bill of health, the 4-time PGA Tour winner is enjoying the global travel thus far. "When I'm not practicing golf or in the gym, I will take in some of the sights that Dubai has to offer," Notah said. "Dubai has grown immensely in the last 10 years and boasts some of the most amazing shops and tourist attractions in the world. I would like to stop by the mall of the Emirates which is said to be one of the finest malls in the world. I will let you know just how great it was." Be sure to check back with Notah.com to follow NB3 in his quest to earn his fifth Tour victory. THIS WEEK'S BREAKDOWN Notah's History at the Dubai Desert Classic (0-0 vs. the cut) This is Notah's first appearance at the Dubai Desert Classic. Course Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Notah's Group (Rounds 1 & 2) Richard Green (Melbourne, Australia) Søren Hansen (Monte Carlo) Notah's Tee Times (local time 9 hours ahead of ET) Th - 11:55 am (1st tee) Fr - 7:45 am (10th tee) TV Times (ET) Thu 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (Golf Channel) Fri 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (Golf Channel) Sat 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (Golf Channel) Sun 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (Golf Channel) Live Leaderboard | Notah's Live Scorecard