Our first tournament in Asia saw us experience golf in Japan and what a wonderful experience it was. Japanese hospitality was 1st class. The tournament was held at the 54 hole Seta Golf Course, comprising of the Higashi, Nishi and Kita courses.

The Otsu Prince Hotel was the tournament Headquarters where all competitors registered by Sunday 16 November, 1997.

The tournament was played over 72 holes the first round on Monday 17 November, 2nd round Tuesday 18 November, 3rd round 20 November and final round Friday 21 November, 1997.

On Monday evening 17 November a sit down dinner was provided at The Tournament Headquarters. Mr. Tetsuharu Kawakami, President NALG (Japan) welcomed everyone to the tournament.

There was 190 Competitors from 11 Countries Australia (28), Canada (2), Germany (3), Finland (1), England (8), Ireland (5), Japan (82), New Zealand (8), Taiwan (39, Sweden (8) and USA (6) 10 Lady competitors from 3 countries Japan (7), Australia (2) and Taiwan (1)

The Presentation dinner was held at the Otsu Prince Hotel where a magnificent sit down dinner was served. During the evening we were entertained by traditional drum performance. Following the dinner everyone retired to the neighboring bar where each country sang a traditional song.

The World Champion was Kenichi Seta, Japan.

The Senior Champion was Barry Ewart, Australia.

The Lady Champion was Marlene Howard, Australia.

The Doug Crosby World Cup was won by Japan.