by Crystal Brookover
9-30-2001

The sun was just beginning to rise as James Sussman loaded his clubs in to his car and headed out the East gate.  It was a routine he had done many times before, but today his concentration was weakened with nervousness because he would be playing in foreign territory and every stroke would matter.
     Mr. Sussman had the distinct pleasure of being the only foreign player to participate in the Stand-by Tour at Central Golf Club in the Ibaragi Prefecture. He had heard of the mini-tour through his regular golf instructor at the Tama Hills Golf Course, Mr. Makoto "Hiro" Fujii, who also participated in the tournament. When Mr. Sussman heard that some positions were available he jumped at the chance to play in a Japanese competition. The Stand-by Tour's organizer, Mr. Shizuo Mori, was pleased to have a new face on the mini-tour and welcomed his American participant warmly.
     This was the first chance for the Ohio native and longtime golfer to see a Japanese Golf Course and competition. The beautiful condition of the course, rustic setting and professional service left a lasting impression. An even bigger novelty was the use of club provided caddies to help the players negotiate the course.
     After signing in at the front desk Mr. Sussman met the other players in his group (Mr. Hisashi Sakurai, and Mr. Shigeyuki Nakamura of Sakura Golf Club and Mr. Fujii) at the practice range. As he warmed up he drew stares from other tournament players who wondered if he was a professional or celebrity, but this didn't bother Jim who by now had steered his focus back on to the game he loves so much, golf.
     Many talented professional and amateur players participated in the day's events, but only a select few walked away with cash in hand. When all was said and done Jim Sussman didn't make the cut despite a good game of golf, but he was rewarded in other ways. His partner and instructor Hiro Fujii commented by saying: "I'm so happy for Jim to have this chance. I hope others will continue to pursue golf while they are here in Japan. When I was in the USA for the first time in 1997 playing on a mini-tour I was in the same place as Jim is today. I was the only foreigner and my English was not very good, but I overcame my nervousness when I realized that golf is a universal sport. We communicate through our mutual love and understanding of the sport. This type of experience will teach you a lot about human communication and open your eyes to the global network of people enjoying the same things as you do at home." Mr. Fujii and Mr. Sussman went on to comment that another major difference between golf in Japan and golf in the USA is the atmosphere on the course. They discussed how in the U.S. other players will cheer you on and applaud when you make a good shot, but in Japan the game is much more serious and few comments are made during play. Despite these cultural differences the game was just as it has been since he first picked up a club, but this time Jim Sussman left the course with stories for his family at Yokota and back home in Ohio as well as new respect for the sport itself.

SPECIAL NOTE: As part of his regular duties at Tama Hills Golf Course Hiro Fujii works hard to improve the golf program with the help of the Tama Hills Professional Teaching Staff and General Manager, Tony Lykins. At the Stand- by Tournament he continued his great effort to recruit the finest professional golfers to the 2nd Annual Tama Hills Pro/Am Tournament this October 27th. If you are interested in playing in the Pro/Am or would like more information on this program then please call Tama Hills at 224-3426.