May 18, 2008 -- PGA Professional Chip Sullivan made history this past week, becoming the first reigning PGA Professional National Champion to compete in the Japan PGA Championship. The PGA Director of Golf at Ashley Plantation in Daleville, Va., Sullivan wraps up his account of his historic trip.

Yesterday, I spoke of finding similarities between myself and a Daruma doll.

Today, it was Shingo Katayama's day to hold the Daruma. Shingo blew away the field, carding a 23-under-par 265 and cruising to capture the Japan PGA Championship and 26 million yen (which converts to $249,992).

Some of the traditions were new but the desire to succed was very familiar for Chip Sullivan all week. (Photo: Japan PGA)

The champion of the Japan PGA, in addition to the trophy and a nice check, receives a gigantic Daruma doll, just like I mentioned in yesterday's blog. Shingo definitely embodied the optimism and perseverance symbolized by this customary Japanese icon.

I have enjoyed being around Shingo this week. He has a great personality. In the states, Shingo is known mainly for his flashy outfits. Over here, his couture is tame. If you are awed by Shingo's pink cowboy hats, you would have loved the threads on a guy I played with one day this week.

He wore a pink and black ensemble with fairies on it, embellished by rhinestones.

I really admire those guys confidence in their masculinity.

My final round of the tournament was as "ordinary" as my clothing choices. Nothing spectacular, but decent.

I shot one under today, for a five under total and shared 18th place. I won 1.586 million yen or $15,249.

Don't spend it all yet, honey.

However, it did make for a very nice payday. It also was a respectable finish for a storybook week. I am very proud to have made the cut and finish in the top 20. Even as I type that sentence, it does not yet feel real.

Going back to the beginning of the day, I encountered a new custom which I found touching. It would be a great tradition to add to any U.S. Championship.

Each player in my group was introduced to a junior golfer. We held their hand, and then our threesome walked to the first tee with the children. We signed their caps, and I signed a ball for my junior as well. We took a picture with them on the tee, and then were formally introduced to start the round.

I can't think of a more amazing way to create a lifelong love of golf in children.

After saying farewell to my junior friend, I was introduced on the tee for the last time as "Chip-a Sullivan".

The crowd was at least 10 people deep for about 100 yards down the fairway. After striping my tee shot, the gallery cheered so loudly I had to look around and see if Tiger had shown up to play. The way these people look at me as a superstar is unreal.

Celebrity or not, the game of golf knows how to bring you down to earth pretty quickly.

I got off to a great start today, dialing in to the pin on every time. However, I could not make a putt except for on the second and fourth hole.

Turning at 2-under for the day, I then birdied 10 to go 3-under. I made a 10-foot par-saving putt on the 11th.

On 12, I was in the middle of the fairway with a reachable shot into the par 5 in two. I just knew I was going to birdie the hole.

Then it happened. I pulled the ball left of the green with no shot at the pin.

My pitch sailed across the green. I garnished the hole with a 3-putt for bogey 6. A bogey on the next hole (par 3 - 242 yards) took the wind out of my sails. One more 3-putt on 16 and a birdie on 17, and I was home with a 71.

Even though I was personally disappointed some of my shots, I did not have time to lick my wounds. I would be selfish to ask for anything more out of this unbelievable experience.

Instead of walking into the locker room, as I often do, rehashing "what-ifs" about my three-putts and pulled shots, I was embraced by a crowd of enthusiastic fans. I signed autographs on all kinds of things; on people's shirts, on the back of their wind shirts, on purses, etc. Many wanted their picture taken with me.

After greeting the fans, I was directed to the hospitality tent where Tom (Hall, my father-in law and caddie) and I met up with Japan PGA Chairman Isao Matsui. We were introduced to his lovely wife, as well as some past Chairmen of the PGA of Japan. We sat and watched Shingo seal his win on 18, and then hoist the Dharma.

The trophy presentation was followed by a party in the clubhouse. I was asked to say a few words, which were translated by a special guest of the Chairman, Yoko Kammuri. She spoke perfect English, and apparently is the number one sports interviewer in Japan.

Next, Shingo was in ushered in as the new Japan PGA Champion. He spoke for a few minutes, and then the Chairman had both Shingo and I stand together.

Mr. Matsui alluded to me as a luminary in the field. He expressed that it was his hope that my presence here this week would pave the way for future PGA Champions of Japan to be offered an exemption in the PGA of America's Championship.

How about that? A club professional from Troutville, Virginia is serving as a "peace offering" towards international golf relations!

After my official presentation, I chatted for a few moments with Shingo. Then, I continued to answer independent questions from reporters.

The biggest inquiry was "How is the Japanese professional golfer different than the American professional golfer?"

The first thing that came to my mind was that Japanese professionals don't seem to get upset during their round.

They have amazing mental control. From what I have seen, Japanese golfers can make a double bogey on one hole, and act like nothing happened on the next hole. They are so calm with their games. I haven't seen any "hot heads" like we have in the U.S.

I'll confess; I have a hard time controlling my temper on the course during my career. Maybe this is why I revere the composure of the Japanese players.

Also, they asked me my opinion of a common concern held in Japanese golf.

It seems that most (not all) Japanese golfers peak in their teens and twenties, and then don't ever "transition" to the next level.

Reminding the reporters that there are many amazing characteristics embodied in Japanese golf, I gave them a simple answer to their question.

There are not enough pro or college events after junior golf to keep their players fine-tuned.

Japanese PGA Professionals, (who are all teaching professionals) do not have pro-ams or section events in which to compete.

What's more, there is no strong competitive collegiate contingent to challenge the youth of Japan. Most solid players here go to school abroad.

For example, my college days were golf "boot camps". I competed against the likes of Davis Love III and David Toms. One of my college roommates was Steve Elkington. The PGA Tour now looks like a "who's who" of the guys I knew in school.

On the mini-tours, I played against John Daly, Tom Lehman, and Ernie Els. This level of competition is common for U.S. and European up-and comers.

I shared that even when I am not playing in Tour Events, the talent which surrounds me is inspiring. The PGA of America is filled with players who are just as good as the "big boys". We are a brotherhood which constantly encourages each other to stay on top of our games.

Unfortunately, in Japan, many future stars of Japan are not given the chance to "shine".

The reporters, as well as onlookers, responded positively to my comments.

My words to the crowd were concluded with tons of "thank yous" and well-wishes for the future. As Tom and I left the clubhouse, I found it hard to believe that the week had drawn to a close.

It's hard to encapsulate the entire experience into words at this moment, so I will focus on preparing for the trip home.

Tomorrow, Sandy (Satoru Sunagawa of the Japan PGA) will accompany Tom and I back to Tokyo, and then steer us toward our flight.

I am thankful that he will be with us for two reasons.

For one, without Sandy's guidance, Tom and I would probably end up on a flight to Tasmania.

Secondly, it's going to be hard to say goodbye to him. Sandy's example of unselfish generosity makes him an awesome ambassador for the Japanese PGA.

A week ago, Sandy was a total stranger. Now, I am proud to call him my friend.

In friendship, what goes around comes around.

Last Monday, I "excused" Sandy of his duties with me to head home for an event of the utmost importance; his son' first birthday party.

I marveled in my first blog about watching him happily saunter away, hurrying home to see his son.

This Monday, as Sandy officially relieves me of my duties in Japan, I hope he is equally understanding of my eagerness to board the plane.

I spent a week in Japan as "Chip Sullivan, PGA."

Tomorrow night, back home in Virginia, I will transform into being "Daddy" at my daughter's kindergarten play.