May 12, 2008 -- PGA Professional Chip Sullivan is making history this week, becoming the first reigning PGA Professional National Champion to compete in the Japan PGA Championship, May 15-18. Sullivan, the PGA Director of Golf at Ashley Plantation in Daleville, Va., begins a daily account of his experiences in his first trip to Japan today in PGA.com.

I'll admit: whenever I prepare for an important tournament, I am nervous. Even if the feelings go unvoiced, those closest to me can palpitate the nerves. The advice from my inner circle is always the same: "Relax and be yourself" or "Just go out there and play your game". I am trying to remember that advice right now, as I venture into representing The PGA of America while in Japan at the Japan PGA Championship.

I liken my nerves to the feelings that crept upon me at the beginning of the PGA Cup this past September. Going into the event, I knew it was a great honor. However, upon my arrival, the word "honor" left transcription and became a living, breathing entity.

No one on the team wanted to let down the brethren of The PGA of America, much less the United States of America. Many interviews started with the preamble "I know this sounds corny, but it is an overwhelming feeling to represent your country". I will spare you the effort of listening to that once more. Nevertheless, it's true.

As for my first moments in Japan, there is that same sense of competitive nervousness and a desire to make The PGA proud. That frame of mind will hopefully give you a good chuckle, considering how I always manage to stick my foot in my mouth at the most inopportune times.

The journey began as usual for Tom (my father-in-law/caddie) and me. I threw my bags at him at the airport and let him know that he was no longer a school superintendent, but my mule. (Anyone who knows us understands that our relationship would make a great comedy reality show). Next, after the point of no return, Tom drops it on me that he didn't bring his laptop. No problem, right? Not if you are supposed to be blogging on it for PGA.com everyday! (Therefore, this blog is coming to you from a borrowed computer with Japanese characters on the keyboard.) Thankfully, we had calmed down by time we arrived in Chicago, and prepared for the 14-hour, 5-minute flight to Tokyo. The flight was a wonderful opportunity to "bond' and get to know each other's inner thoughts. (I hope you feel the sarcasm).

After leaving on Saturday morning from Virginia, we arrived in Japan on Sunday evening. We stumbled off the plane, grasping for firm ground and appreciating the space we now had between us. While straightening ourselves, we were greeted by "Sandy", (Mr. Satoru Sunagawa) a young, smiling, and hospitable liaison with the Japanese PGA.

Sandy accompanied us through the labyrinth that is the Tokyo Narita International Airport, and helped us board the bullet train to Takasaki.

So here I am now, trying to calm down, adjust to a 13-hour time difference, learn to love sticky rice, type on a Japanese keyboard, "be myself", and not embarrass my country, while---oh yeah---competing in the Japan PGA Championship.

It is definitely time (whatever time it is over here) to take the advice of my inner circle and "just go out there and play my game".

After a good night's sleep, I hope to have the focus to remember that golf is the same wherever you go. Golf is a universal language, and competition needs no translation. I will go, alongside my caddie, and play my game. We will compete with ferocity, and at the same time, make many new friends along the way.

Before I log off, I'd like to make one point very clear.

Whereas my personal views on the trip so far have been both comical and self-concerning, I can not go without saying THANK YOU to the members of the Japanese PGA and Mr. Sungawa.

Their attention to detail is impeccable. "Sandy" informed me that yesterday (when I arrived) was his son's first birthday. Visibly shocked, I told him that his family was way more important than hosting Tom and me.

"No, Mr. Sullivan," he said, "It is an honor just to be here to serve you"

Tom and I are already amazed at the work ethic and professionalism, as well as the sincerity of the people we have met. However, it did make me smile when I finally convinced Sandy to go home, and watched the skip in his step as he rushed off to his baby boy.

Some things just AREN'T lost in translation.