January 11, 2010
Nonstops Relax Nike Golf Developer
As Nike Golf’s ball research and development director, I fly 100,000-plus miles per year. Over the last 10 years I have maintained an average of six international trips a year, visiting manufacturing partners in Asia and golfers on the various golf courses in the world. One would assume that the opportunity to visit the greatest golf courses would coincide with actually playing an occasional round. However, this is not the case. I’m quite confident that I have the record for visiting the most world’s top 100 greatest golf courses without even playing.
Rock Ishii on the course
The convenience of having a nonstop flight between PDX and Narita gives me the chance to spend more time with my family on the day of departure. If I were to fly through San Francisco or Seattle, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy breakfast at home. I also have to worry about fog in San Francisco or lost luggage in Seattle. The direct flight saves crucial time allowing me to run at the gym, or play nine holes before I get to the airport.
I am sharing my basic “protocol” at the airport and in the air as it may give you some hints for your next travel:
- After security check, go to the “Made In Oregon” wine cart to pick a few Oregon wines. Their selection is good, and the price is reasonable!
- Don’t forget to fuel up yourself, too. I love beer, but I wouldn’t take it before a long flight. Wine or Bloody Mary – “High Octane” products work better!
- Just try to relax as much as possible in the air. Take shoes off, iPod, etc. I do open unread e-mails, too, but I ignore it if it’s a complicated one.
- Take sleeping aid as soon as first meal starts.
- At the end of the first meal, put in ear plugs (as deep as possible!), with BOSE and eye mask on.
- Get 6 to 7 hours sleep and wake about an hour before the landing. Brush your teeth; change if necessary.
- I always miss the second meal which is totally fine. I would prefer to get out to Ginza/Roppongi for great food right after I check into the hotel!
Another great thing about PDX is the size. You can’t expect everything to run smoothly through all the counters and gates if it’s a larger airport. I believe the speed of luggage coming out when you arrive has been improved, too. The distance you walk after coming through Customs is way shorter than any other airport.
Fly nonstops from PDX if you’re a person who doesn’t want to waste your quality time!
Rock Ishii
Rock Ishii
Product Development Director, Golf Balls
NIKE GOLF
Photos Courtesy of Nike and Rock Ishii
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Mike Antonelli posted on January 11, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Ishii-san, nice note and very good advice ! I’ve lived in Tokyo a couple of times and as recently as October of this year. We just moved back to Oregon ( where I grew up, went to HS and College and joined IBM in Eugene, OR ).
Having the PDX to Narita flight is a godsend although I would sure like the Airbus back compared to the 767-300ER Delta is flying.
I like the Wine Cart as well to get some good gifts ギフト for business contacts in Japan !! They always seem to appreciate Oregon wine.
Hope to see you on a flight someday or maybe out on a course in Portland area ?
Mike-san