PREVIEW: John Deere Classic - Tuesday, July 10, 2007

SILVIS, Ill. -- According to his close friends, Notah Begay III is remarkably upbeat heading into this week's John Deere Classic for a guy with a severely herniated disc in his back.

"My back has been steady over the past couple of weeks," Notah said, "and that's due to the ART treatments I've been receiving each week. ART (Active Release Techniques) is a method of working on the soft tissue to get good range of motion in your muscles and reduce pain. I know that my play would not be as good without these treatments."

Notah strung together four solid rounds (73-70-71-72) at last week's AT&T National and posted a 54th-place finish versus a very tough field which included most of the top-ranked players in the world.

There's a good chance that Notah's play will continue to improve as this week's event is held at one of his preferred courses.

"The TPC at Deere Run is a favorite venue of mine because I love the layout and have a good feel for it," Notah said. "I've had some success and hope to continue my good play this week."

In his five appearances at the John Deere Classic, Notah boasts a pair of top 10's (T8, T10) and a top 25 (T21).

Be sure to check back with Notah.com to follow NB3 in his quest to earn a fifth Tour victory.

2006 - John Deere Classic - cut (68-76) = 144 (+2)

2004 - John Deere Classic - cut (74-68) = 142 (E)

2003 - John Deere Classic - T8 (67-71-65-71) = 274 (-10) $105,000.00

2002 - John Deere Classic - T10 (69-65-72-65) = 271 (-13) $69,000.00

1999* - John Deere Classic - T21 (70-63-66-71) = 270 (-10) $18,266.66

*- held at the Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Ill.

, Silvis, Ill.

(Rounds 1 & 2)

(Orlando, Fla.)

(Austin, Texas)

(ET)

Thu - 8:47 am (10th tee)

Fri - TBA (1st tee)

(ET)

Thu 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Golf Channel)

Fri 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Golf Channel)

Sat 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm (CBS)

Sun 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm (CBS)