May 13, 2008 -- Ah . . . breakfast. Egg McMuffins, Bojangle's biscuits, bacon and eggs. Being from the South, I live in the land of the Cracker Barrels and Waffle Houses. Do you suppose they ship such food to Japan?

Chip Sullivan is enjoying the challenge of representing the United States - and of finding breakfast - while over in Japan. (Photo: Japan PGA)

Food has been the biggest culture shock to me since my arrival in Japan. At today's clubhouse breakfast buffet, I was greeted by fish, tofu, pickled cucumbers, and rice. I also saw a mirage at the end of the buffet line - a display of eggs. . .Could it be. . .a hard-boiled egg!

I'm lovin' it!

Tom, my caddie and father-in-law, joined me in feeling that we were rescued. We each brought a "hungry man" portion of eggs back to the table and Tom was the first to crack his open.

Our prize eggs were RAW. I was right; they were a mirage.

Apparently it is a delicacy to dine on raw eggs over rice for breakfast in Japan. Even though Tom might be able to carry a bag up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, he is NOT Rocky. We headed to the tee box with nary a crumb in our stomachs.

Being a diabetic, I was quickly reminded that I can't be too finicky about what I eat, at least not while in Japan. Having nothing in my stomach, my sugar crashed. For the first time in quite a while I had to quit my practice round on the 15th hole. Point taken. Lesson learned. Even if it's plain rice, I need to keep eating.

I have heard that many western foods can be found in Tokyo, but I am in Takasaki, in the state of Gunma. With the risk of sounding like a fifth grade math problem, I am 90 minutes from Tokyo via a bullet train that goes 160 miles an hour. I may not be "smarter than a fifth grader", but I do know that I am a long way from a Big Mac and Fries. I'm going to have to (gasp) learn to like sushi.

After food, there is golf. . .

Paralleling the Japan PGA Championship with our venerable PGA Championship can not be done. It's apples and oranges. However, in Japan, this event holds a very special place with the country's golfing elite.

Tour vans from all the major companies are here, and sponsor tents proudly speckle the landscape. Parking, clubhouse set-up, tickets and entry badges, etc. remind me of the Nationwide Tour. I am anxious to see the depth of the galleries during the competition. Galleries during practice rounds are almost non-existent, unlike during Monday through Wednesday of "our" PGA.

The Japan PGA Championship is being held this year at Raysum Golf and Spa Resort, formerly known as Press Country Club.

I have heard that the course is similar to most in Japan in that it is built in the hills. Raysum is a very challenging course with undulating greens that could get treacherous.

During my first practice round, Sandy (Mr. Satoru Sunagawa of the Japan PGA) accompanied me to act as a translator. Very few Japanese competitors speak English.

Through Sandy, I found out from a fellow competitor that the fairway grass here is called Korai. It is similar to a mix between fescue and zosia. The rough is a grass called Moriya. This is a smaller blade that what you may find in St. Augustine.

As our "thank you" to Sandy for helping us with translation, Tom offered him the chance to carry the bag for a few holes. (That's sick, now isn't it?).

After a few holes, Sandy was anxious to hand over the heavy bag (it's been filled with rain gear since we arrived). However, he considered the experience an honor. What a great guy. If not for Sandy, Tom and I would be lost in a gutter somewhere by now.

In addition to playing with a Japanese competitor today, I was paired with an Aussie named Scott Laycock. He has played in Japan for seven years. Scott gave me some great insights into the tour here as well as tips on traveling in Japan.

Apparently, Australians enjoy traveling to Japan for many reasons, including the efficient transportation (bullet train) and hospitable people. Even though Japan is 10 hours north of Australia, they are both on the same time zone.

We reached a point where we needed lunch. Yes, I made the attempt this time, and met another Aussie - Brandon Jones. He was quite friendly, and is a great guy who has made an even greater living in Japan. He has won eight times in Japan, with three win last year. He was defeated by Adam Scott in the World Match Play Championship, 2 and 1.

Brandon gave both Tom and I some super advice, and it sounded a lot like the advice I mentioned in my first blog: "Calm down and be yourself. Play your game".

He told me to realize that this week can not compare to anything at home, so don't waste time trying. He said to just enjoy the game and the culture. After my lunchtime conversation with Brandon, my head (and stomach) felt much more comfortable.

I also crossed paths with another interesting young man -- Ryo Ishikawa. He is a 16-year-old high school freshman, and he won a professional championship last year as an amateur. Since turning professional this year, Ryo has signed for $20 million in endorsements.

He is currently the biggest sports star in Japan. Ryo is being heralded as a "breath of fresh air" for golf in the country. Sound familiar? I am not sure what the word for "Tiger" is in Japanese.

Today, I also met the "Brian Whitcomb" of the Japan PGA; Mr. Isao Matsui. He is chairman of the Japan PGA, and carries a great sense of humor with his title. In that sense, he reminds me a lot of our PGA of America president.

Mr. Matsui has made me feel very welcomed and respected. It is amazing how the brotherhood of the PGA travels around the world.

Speaking of Mr. Whitcomb, he gave me some excellent advice before I left the States.

Together with the help of his assistant, Chris Wood, I was fortunate to have my business cards printed in both English AND Japanese. Brian instructed me to formally hold the card with both hands, bow, and "present" the card when I make a new acquaintance. It has been a huge hit, and the people here respect others who try and emulate their customs and culture. Many thanks to Brian and Chris for their help in prepping me for this adventure.

Before I head out, I wanted to share another "cultural nugget" regarding the ceremonial manner in which introductions and other processes are conducted in Japan.

Tom and I hailed a cab last night, and were expecting the likes of a New York cabbie to pick us up and take us on a rollercoaster ride through the town. Boy, were we wrong.

The cabbies here are dressed in a coat and tie, and many wear white gloves. If they have a cold, they wear a mask. Don't even think about opening the door for yourself. The doors open automatically, ushering you onto white upholstered seats. It was refreshing to see how some take so much pride in their work.

Cab rides will never be the same again once I get home!

As I approach the end of another life-changing day, I still have to pinch myself to realize I am on the other side of the world. I'm preparing to represent the United States as the only American in the Japan PGA Championship.

Despite being overwhelmed and exhausted, you should know this guy from Virginia is beaming with pride.