PREVIEW: Verizon Heritage - Monday, April 10, 2006

HILTON HEAD, S.C. - Two weeks ago at the Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship, Notah Begay III fought through cold, wet and rainy conditions to make his third consecutive Nationwide Tour cut. This Thursday, Notah is back on the PGA Tour and will take on the field at the 38th Annual Verizon Heritage, played on the picturesque Harbour Town Golf Links.

"It's been quite a long time since I played in conditions like the second round at the Nationwide event in Livermore," Notah said earlier this week. "It rained all day and the temperature never got above 50, so the ball didn't fly very far and hitting it in the rough was like a one shot penalty."

Notah, who finished in a tie for 44th place, shot scores of 73, 76, 74 and 75 for the 4-round event.

Notah continued, "In conditions like that, all you try to do is simplify the game and take into consideration that everyone else is just as miserable. You can't keep your normal expectations of par but must simply play your best on every hole. I managed to play some good 'bad' golf in that weather which allowed me to play the weekend."

Perseverance appears to be the theme of Notah's 2006 season, as one member of Notah's fan base recently emailed Notah.com with the following:

"While I'm sure you were disappointed with your first round at Tucson," Greg K. wrote of Notah's opening-round 6-over-par at the Chrysler Classic of Tucson in February, "your second round (1-under-par) was a fine example of the determination and character you consistently display. Too many athletes today are willing to quit in the face of difficulty. Take heart and good luck in your next tournament."

This week's PGA Tour stop in South Carolina is the first for Notah since February's Tucson event.

"My game is progressing steadily," Notah said, "and I can't wait for my next start at Hilton Head!"

Be sure to check back with Notah.com to follow NB3 in his quest for win No. 5 on the PGA Tour.

THIS WEEK's BREAKDOWN

Notah's History at the Verizon Heritage (1-2 vs. the cut)
2004 - MCI Heritage - cut (76, 69) - 145 (+3)
2003 - MCI Heritage - cut (70, 75) - 145 (+3)
2000 - MCI Classic - T15 (71, 66, 68, 73) - 278 (-6) $40,860.00

Course
Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, S.C.

Notah's Group (Rounds 1 & 2)
Frank Lickliter II (Middletown, Ohio)
Justin Rose (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Notah's Tee Times (ET)
Th - 1:03 pm (1st tee)
Fr - TBA (10th tee)

TV Times: (ET)
Th 4-6 pm USA
Fr 4-6 pm USA
Sa 3-6 pm CBS
Su 3-6:30 pm CBS