Japan Golf Tours

Hi, this is my first post and my first attempt at blogging so bear with me as I will probably make lots of rookie mistakes.

My name is John Thornton and, in my previous job, I conducted golf tournaments all over the world. These were not the Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelsons of the world. I ran events for senior amateur golfers from over 30 countries who enjoyed playing in organized golf events at great golf destinations.

I conducted events in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Portugal, Australia, Canada, Mexico, all over the United States and, of course, in Japan. I had the good fortune of playing golf in many countries and on some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

For some reason, golf in Japan really resonated deep inside of me. Perhaps it is because I have always had a fascination for the people and culture of that very unique island country. I have had the good fortune of making many wonderful friends in Japan. When I started running these golf events, there were many Japanese people that attended them. Before I met them, I took the time to learn some very basic Japanese phrases so that I could at least at least introduce myself to them and make them feel welcome. My attempts to communicate with them in their language immediately created a bond between us that lasts to this day.

There is something in the Japanese character that immediately attracted me. Despite stereotypical preconceptions that I grew up with, I found them to be very friendly, courteous and great fun to be with. They are the greatest travelers I have ever seen. Although they would typically travel further than anyone to attend our golfing events, they seemed immune to jet lag. The petty things that bothered most travelers, they would shrug off with a laugh and go about their business. They rarely complained about anything and seemed to be masters at “rolling with the punches”.

I have always been intrigued by people who travel to the far flung corners of the world. It takes a certain type of spirit to venture out into the “Great Unknown”. However, even among the most hardened travelers, there are those who, regardless of where they visit, are very often disappointed that their destination is not more like home. They expect things to be familiar and when they are not, they are disappointed not only in their destination but also the residents of that destination.

However, I never experienced this phenomenon with travelers from Japan. Perhaps it stems from the spirituality of the Japanese people but, for whatever reason, they graciously accepted and even embraced the misadventures, both small and large, that sometimes accompany world travel.

So, for various reasons, I made many good friends from Japan. We held two events each year, always at a destination that featured great golf, beautiful scenery, unique food and culture and, primarily for the women, opportunities for shopping. There would always be a night when my Japanese friends would take me out to dinner. This would typically involve anywhere from 15 to (on one occasion in Japan) over 150 people. Although my friends were very successful business-people and very highly respected in their own country, I would always be the guest of honor. Frankly, I do not think I deserved this distinction but I think it stemmed from first, their great love and respect for the game of golf, second, from their gratitude and respect for me because I am very involved with the game and its administration and third, from their wonderful and very unique sense of courtesy to others.

There would always be a very spirited debate before we sat down for dinner as to just exactly what would be the appropriate place for me, the guest of honor, to be seated and, just as importantly, who should be seated nearest to me. I have to admit that I found this whole scene to be very flattering.

My Japanese friends love to eat and drink and have fun. Beer and sake were always in great supply. In Japan, however, it is the custom to fill the glass of your companions and not your own. It is considered slightly rude to fill your own glass. I find that custom so refreshing; a beautiful philosophy of life in a very basic and simple ritual. Rather than putting yourself first, you put the needs of your neighbors first. Believe me, there is no shortage of people waiting to fill your glass in Japan. The only problem is that you are never quite certain as to how much you’ve had to drink as your glass is never quite empty. The only accurate gauge of your consumption may be your physical condition the following morning.

The dinners were always accompanied by speeches and toasts and, in my whole life, these were some of the most wonderful evenings I ever experienced. Very often, my wife would accompany me and we will never forget the very warm and genuine good feelings of being with our Japanese friends.

Well, that’s all for today. Next time, I will tell you more about golf in Japan and also about several dinners that really stand out in my memory. I have so much more to tell you!

Oh, I have a website you might like to look at. Please take a look at

www.japan-golf-tours.com

Thanks for listening. Please feel free to comment!

John