Steady again at Euro Q-school - Wednesday, November 15, 2006

SAN ROQUE, Spain -- He's right where he wants to be, playing in the final group in the final round of a golf tournament. Even better, Notah Begay III is on pace to earn full-time playing status on the coming European Tour season.

His 1-under-par 71 in Wednesday's fifth round of the European Tour Qualifying School's Final Stage helped the 4-time PGA Tour winner move up to 3rd place with one round remaining.

"This puts me in an ideal position heading into the final round as I will be paired in the last group," Notah said. "If things go well and I can manage to make a few putts, I may have a chance to win."

The top 30 finishers, plus ties, will earn membership onto the European Tour and Notah is very close to earning the coveted tour card.

"The toughest thing about (Wednesday) was to not get ahead of myself and start picking out tournaments on next year's European Tour schedule," Notah said. "Thirty-six holes was still a lot of golf and I knew that the tournament couldn't be 'won' (on Wednesday) but it certainly could've been lost."

Throughout the Final Stage, the weather has been a factor and Notah has played well despite the conditions and Wednesday was no different.

"With the windy conditions and the course drying out a bit, there were plenty of difficult holes," Notah said. "I did my best to focus on every shot and shoot a good score. At the end of the day, I ended up shooting a 1-under 71 for a 10-under total and solo 3rd place.

"I managed to stay steady from tee to green and made some nice birdie putts along the way. I capped the day off with a nice par save on the 18th."

Notah is only four strokes back of the leader, Brazilian Alexandre Rocha, and two behind Spain's Carlos Rodiles. The trio will be the last group to approach the tee box in Thursday's final round. Tee time is set for 10:30 am local time and the forecast calls for rain.

Be sure to check back with Notah.com to follow NB3 in his quest to earn membership onto the European Tour.

THIS WEEK'S BREAKDOWN

Notah's History at the European Tour Q-school (0-0 vs. the cut)
This is Notah's first time playing in the European Tour Q-school.

Course
The San Roque Club, San Roque, Spain

Notah's Group (Round 6 - Final Round)
Carlos Rodiles (Malaga, Spain)
Alexandre Rocha (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Notah's Tee Time
Final (6th) Round...Thu - 10:30 am (local) 4:30 am (ET) - 1st tee, the New Course