May 15, 2008 -- I have never been a big fan of American Idol. My wife and daughters torture me with their squeals of glee when those "David" guys get up and sing.

Chip Sullivan has played a key role in promoting golf and The PGA of America while overseas in Japan. (Photo: Japan PGA)

My iPod rocks to World party, James, and the BoDeans; while my girls know everything there is to know about Taylor Hicks, Kelly Clarkson, and any other "Idol" generated bubble-gum. (Please save my son from this insanity!)

However, after one of my latest experiences in Japan, my family will be thrilled to know that their Daddy is an "American Idol" in his own right.

Well, at least it feels that way over here!

On Tuesday evening, my caddie and father-in-law, Tom Hall, and I were invited to a sponsor party and auction. We were the only westerners in a room of approximately 100 Japanese officials and businessmen. Tom was ushered to a seat in the room, while I was lined up, outside the main doors, with 20 other players from Japan.

In a combination of rock 'n roll, red carpet, and Olympic opening ceremonial panache, the players proceeded through hundreds of flashing cameras, making a spectacular entrance to the dinner.

My fellow players and I were lined up in front of the room. I was standing in a place of honor, next to The Japanese "Tiger" (Ryo Ishikawa). The players bowed as we were greeted with a standing ovation. It was an amazing feeling.

I can honestly say I now know what those American Idol contestants feel like while they are being paraded around on the stage. Kind of bizarre, but very flattering.

After our entrance, we mingled with the audience. During this time, with the assistance of my translator/life saver, "Sandy" (Mr. Satoru Sunagawa), Tom and I mingled in the room full of dignitaries such as the mayor of the city, governor of the state, chairman and vice chairman of the Japanese PGA, as well as the commissioner for the Japanese PGA Tour.

Each gentleman I encountered treated me with more respect than I deserved. The ritual, formality, and sincerity of the Japanese people is mind-boggling -- especially to a "spoiled" American.

The pomp and circumstance was not limited to our ceremonial procession into the dinner. Each facet of the evening was amazing. We ate and drank like emperors, and thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship amongst new friends.

During the charity auction, I presented a golf shirt, hat, and wind shirt. I was glad to help. At this point, if I didn't need it, I'd give the people helping me over here the shirt off my back.

When it was time to go, the contestants lined up to bow towards the honored guests. We exited the room in front of everyone, with the same flourish in which we entered.

Rock star, American Idol, whatever you would call the situation, the attention was fun.

Tom, on the other hand, is garnering attention of his own.

At 59, Tom -- the deputy superintendent of Roanoke (Va.) County Schools - is the oldest caddie in the field. All of the caddies here are young, and many are women. It kills Tom when someone considers him an "elder".

Each day, many spectators have approached Tom at the course, asking "Are you OK?" "Are you tired?" One young female caddie, who spoke broken English, wouldn't let it drop. She was so genuinely concerned about Tom having to carry the bag that she wanted to help him.

Tom said, "this bag is way too heavy for you." In a comical exchange, he put the bag down; she lifted it swiftly, and then replied, "This bag is not heavy. It is light. You just need a double strap".

Poor Tom. As she bounded off the range he turned and said, "I can run this course with your bag on my back. You want me to do it?"

It's interesting how in Eastern Cultures, age has its place of respect. In Western cultures, age is something we run from.

On the up side, caddies are treated with much more admiration in Japan than in America. Tom has been treated as my equal. (Great, I have been trying for 16 years to convince him that he's NOT my equal on the course!)

Caddies go everywhere with their players: dining room, locker room, and everywhere else in the clubhouse. The caddies even have their own locker!

Having caddies everywhere you go is fine with me; although it's a little hard to get used to the female caddies being in the men's locker room.

Moving on...

After morning practice, I was scheduled to be at a 3 p.m. news conference. It was the most formal media conferences that I've ever been a part.

I was seated at a head table with the many of the top officials in Japan golf. Many others were in attendance in the audience. Sitting at this table, I felt the weight of my responsibility upon my chest.

I knew that I was journeying to Japan as an ambassador of The PGA of America. However, I did not know that my presence represented something much bigger than myself;

A quest for International Cohesiveness between the Japanese and the American PGA.

Through the translator, I heard, as well as felt, the great reverence the Japanese PGA has for The PGA of America. More than anything, they would like to strengthen the relationship between our organizations, and work reciprocally to grow the game around the world.

As I look upon my exemption to this event as an amazing privilege, the Japan PGA looks at my participation as the foundation for building a bridge. This is about so much more than me.

It is about all of us, coming together as human beings in the spirit of the game.

During my interviews with the Japanese media, I was reminded that open dialogue between the countries will take us far. There is so much we don't understand about each other. The concept of a PGA Professional in America is much different in Japan.

Golf professionals in Japan are primarily teachers. Businessmen and companies take care of the maintenance, merchandising, membership, and about everything else. Therefore, the concept of a "Hogan Professional" is non-existent in Japan. I answered many questions about my job description as a director of golf, and then quite a few more questions on how I got to both work at the club AND travel and play.

My feeling is that the Japanese PGA would love to follow our model of apprenticeships, business school, Playing Ability Tests1, etc., in order to achieve a classification (such as A-1).

Knowing that an entire nation is attempting to base their PGA model on that of "our PGA" adds to my pride in being a member of The PGA of America.

Considering my role as a "golf ambassador", and my pride in The PGA of America, I hope to make you all proud when I tee off tomorrow morning.

The course has out of bounds on every hole, but I am feeling great about my new TaylorMade driver. Thanks to my guys out in Carlsbad, Calif., I got the "perfect" driver shipped to me two days before I left. If the big stick continues to go straight, then I will have a great advantage on the par5's. I can get home in two on all of them.

The short game is crucial to scoring, no matter where in the world you play. These greens are very tricky, and they are rolling at about a 10.5 or 11. My putter needs to be in the zone. Hopefully, I'll be able to "bring it" on Thursday.

I found a change on the range that I like with my back swing, wrist cock and take away. It feels good now, but I am not sure if it will feel natural enough to put into play tomorrow. My game is so close to being really good right now....but as always, the pendulum can swing the other way.

It's my goal to post a great score for you tomorrow. Beyond all the formalities, I am a competitor, and I came here to play.

For the past few days I have answered questions, shook a lot of hands, and bowed a lot. Tomorrow, it's time for my game to do the talking.