PREVIEW: Rheem Classic - Tuesday, May 09, 2006

FORT SMITH, Ark. - After completing his fifth consecutive round under par at the Athens Regional Foundation Classic in April, Notah Begay III joked with an interviewer, "Now that you've brought the consecutive streak to my attention I'm sure it's in jeopardy now."

However, do not be misled into thinking that the 4-time PGA Tour winner is struggling with his confidence or his game.

"Usually, a streak like that is an indication of consistent play and a good short game," Notah said. "I've put a great deal of time into my short game over the past few months and that's enabled me to avoid unnecessary bogeys which often produce sub-par rounds. I think with more focus and few extra putts I will be in contention at an event soon."

NB3 finished the Athens event in a tie for 19th place, making his fourth cut in a row on the Nationwide Tour.

"The year is long and consistency will prove to be a determining factor when (PGA) Tour cards are handed out," Notah said. "If I can continue to improve I will be in a good position at the end of the year."

This week, Notah is in Fort Smith, Arkansas for the Rheem Classic. Although the event name was not the same, Notah played in the inaugural NIKE Fort Smith Classic in 1998 in his only other visit to the Hardscrabble Country Club. The Albuquerque native made the cut and finished in a tie for 49th place.

Be sure to check back with Notah.com to follow NB3 in this week's event.

THIS WEEK'S BREAKDOWN

Notah's History at the Rheem Classic (1-0 vs. cut)
1998 - NIKE Fort Smith Classic, T49 (70, 68, 72, 68), 278 (-2) - $630.00

Course
Hardscrabble CC, Ft. Smith, Ark.

Notah's Group (Rounds 1 & 2)
Hunter Haas (Fort Worth, Texas)
Scott Gutschewski (Omaha, Neb.)

Notah's Tee Times (ET)
Thu - 1:40 pm (10th tee)
Fri - 8:50 am (1st tee)

TV Times (ET)
Thu - 1:30-4 pm, The Golf Channel
Fri - 1:30-4 pm, The Golf Channel
Sat - 1:30-4 pm, The Golf Channel
Sun - 1:30-4 pm, The Golf Channel