PREVIEW: AT&T National - Monday, July 02, 2007

BETHESDA, Md. -- It should be an exciting Fourth of July week at the inaugural AT&T National, held at the Congressional Country Club, located just outside of Washington, D.C.

For the second time in three weeks, Notah Begay III will enjoy the top-notch competition that is the PGA Tour. In a field that features five of the top six players in the world - which includes world No. 1 Tiger Woods - Notah will look to keep his good feelings rolling after a very positive week off.

"One of my main goals for the Traveler's Championship (two weeks ago) was to check the status of my back and sciatic nerve condition," Notah said Sunday evening. "Off the tee, things were great that week but my approach shots and short game were noticeably rusty."

A pair of 74's weren't enough to secure a spot in the weekend rounds at the Travelers event, so Notah headed to some familiar territory in New York and worked to shake off some of that rust.

"After missing the cut, my wife (Apryl) and I jumped in the car and headed straight to the Turning Stone Resort, site of the the PGA Tour's Turning Stone Resort Championship this fall," Notah said. "Its three championship courses, world class practice facility and award-winning hotel were just what the doctor ordered for a 'work week' off.

"I hit the practice facility focusing on my short game and iron shots hoping to make some gains before heading to Bethesda, Md., for the AT&T National. The practice sessions went extremely well with my back getting better as the week progressed. That's gratifying due to the fact that I didn't hold back as far as the combination of workouts, practice and play. Only time will tell if my sciatic nerve will remain calm and allow me to play pain free."

Notah will also spend some time with good friend and new father, Woods, host for this week's event which salutes U.S. military men and women.

"It's very important to me that this tournament honor the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces," Woods said to PGATour.com. "They put their lives on the line so that we are able to enjoy our freedom, and we'd love for them to come out and enjoy a few days of relaxation."

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

This is the first year for the AT&T National.

, Bethesda, Md.

(Rounds 1 & 2)

(Memphis, Tenn.)

(Dallas, Texas)

(ET)

Thu - 12:25 pm (1st tee)

Fri - TBA (10th tee)

(ET)

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

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

Sat 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (Golf Channel)

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

Sun 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (Golf Channel)

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