PREVIEW: Indonesia Open - Wednesday, February 14, 2007
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Notah Begay III is feeling good about the direction of his golf game, as the European Tour heads to Jakarta this week for the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open, held at the Damai Indah Golf and Country Club.
"If things keep progressing in the current direction, I will be contending for a tournament title sometime this year," Notah said. "The game of golf is so challenging in many aspects that it often takes a very special week to contend. My performance was solid at Abu Dhabi (69th tie) and Dubai (54th tie). I improved on my first performance which tells me my practice is pushing me in the right direction."
The 4-time U.S. PGA Tour winner was looking to keep the good momentum and extend his streak to three consecutive cuts made at last weekend's Malaysian Open, but he couldn't gain entry into the event.
"After a solid second tournament in Dubai, I took the next week off," Notah said. "Early in the year certain tournaments are a bit tougher to get into because quite a few players are eager to get their years started. Such was the case for the Malaysian Open last week and, unfortunately, the entry list did not reach my category number. But don't feel sorry for me yet as my wife, Apryl, and I spent the week in Dubai preparing for the Indonesian Open. The Emirates Club was kind enough to extend practice privileges to me for the week so I enjoyed excellent conditions."
Notah continues to feel that improvement in his short game will make the difference.
"The focus continues to be on my short game with a bit more time spent in the bunker to further strengthen that part of my game," Notah said. "With a strong short game and no fear in the bunkers I can shoot at the flags more aggressively."
Be sure to check back with Notah.com to follow NB3 in his quest to earn a fifth Tour victory.
Quotes from Notah after winning the Challenge Match in Dubai with partner Henrik Stenson...
"I didn't know Henrik Stenson at all before we met on the first tee," Notah said. "But after birdying four out of the first five holes, we became good friends. It was an alternate shot format with both players hitting from the tee and then alternating shots until we hole out. Henrik hit some beautiful shots on the first five holes and I went up and knocked the putts in the hole. It was great to beat Tiger and Mark O'Meara as well as many of the other fantastic players that participated. Henrik and I both received Omega watches as winners which was a nice surprise. It was just really great to win and that was satisfaction enough for me!"
"Overall, it was a fantastic week with my playing partner from the Challenge Match winning the main event (Dubai Desert Classic) which was great to see. Henrik Stenson is a name to keep your eye on this year and for years to come as he possesses the proper attributes to be a top player."
Quotes from Notah about spending time with friend Tiger Woods in Dubai...
"My good friend, Tiger, had another solid week finishing T3 (at the Dubai Desert Classic) which is not much of a surprise to anyone," Notah said. "His play has become so steady in the past year that it surprises everyone when he doesn't win. Tiger and I had a fun week together staying in the same hotel, having dinner together and taking in some of the local sites. It was a nice change to have such a familiar face around in spite of being so far from home. Tiger continues to be a strong influence on my game and always has encouraging words for me as I strive to make gains with my own game. It won't be a surprise to me if he collects another green jacket this coming April."
THIS WEEK'S BREAKDOWN
Notah's History at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open (0-0 vs. the cut)
This is Notah's first appearance at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open.
Course
Damai Indah Golf & Country Club, Jakarta, Indonesia
Notah's Group (Rounds 1 & 2)
Barry Hume (Renfrew, Scotland)
Anton Haig (South Africa)
Notah's Tee Times (local time 12 hours ahead of ET)
Th - 11:50 am (1st tee)
Fr - 7:00 am (10th tee)
TV Times (ET)
Thu 7:30 am - 10:30 am (Golf Channel)
Fri 7:30 am - 10:30 am (Golf Channel)
Sat 7:30 am - 10:30 am (Golf Channel)
Sun 7:30 am - 10:30 am (Golf Channel)
