Chip Sullivan is about to beef up his career travel portfolio, and carve a niche in PGA of America history.

The director of golf at Ashley Plantation in Daleville, Va., Sullivan will become the first reigning PGA Professional National Champion to compete in the Japan PGA Championship. The Championship is May 15-18, at the Press Country Club in Gunma, Japan.

Sullivan, 43, received the exemption into the championship after his victory last June in the PGA Professional National Championship at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort.

"I'm surprised that I'm the first defending Champion to make this trip, but I am very honored," said Sullivan, who last made an overseas trip in 1992, competing in Europe. "It's a chance of a lifetime, where I can experience a whole new world, meet new friends and promote The PGA across the world."

Sullivan's golf season has begun well, considering that he has made two cuts in the past three PGA Tour events he has entered. He tied for 33rd in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on March 30.

As a PGA Professional National Champion, he receives six Tour exemptions for the 2008 season. This week, Sullivan is testing his skills in the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte, N.C.

Traveling to Japan will connect Sullivan again with long distance golf. From 1988-91, he competed on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

"This trip definitely will rank right up there with what I have done in my life," said Sullivan. "I will be competing against players I've never met before and I have no idea what the conditions will be like, the grasses, and so on. I'm keeping an open mind."

What Sullivan will find familiar is his caddie.

Since 1997, Tom Hall, 59, has been carrying Sullivan's bag. The twosome has worked together in over 50 events, which included the grind of Tour school.

Hall, the assistant deputy superintendent of Roanoke (Va.) County Schools, also happens to be Sullivan's father-in-law.

"Tom carries a single-digit handicap and he understands my demeanor, which is an important part of caddying," said Sullivan, during a Tuesday practice round at the Wachovia Championship. "He knows what I need to hear."

While there are many distractions and planning that goes into anyone making a long trip, Sullivan is at peace with one vital element at home.

"I hired a very qualified PGA head professional in Peter Gardner, who will handle things just fine while I'm gone," said Sullivan. "I'm blessed to have a great staff and to have a club that supports me throughout my efforts to compete."

Sullivan also will be doing his own "reporting" on his experiences in Japan, sending back a diary of his experiences on a blog, which can be viewed on PGA.com.

Sullivan will defend his crown, June 19-22, in the 41st PGA Professional National Championship at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga. The Championship is presented by Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra; Buick; and Club Car, and will be viewed by millions via Golf Channel.