礼节美语 240 Taking up Golf 2

Robert两年前开始打高尔夫球，在球场上积累了不少商业界的人脉。同事Mark问他：

Mark: But how can you play with people who've been golfing for 20 years? Isn't it embarrassing?

R: Golf has a system called "handicapping" and the system does its best to level out the differences in skill. It's quite common for a novice to play alongside a more experienced golfer.

M: That's interesting. I read an article once that says you can tell a lot about a person's management style by how they play golf. Do you agree with that?

R: Actually, yes. Say for example you hit your ball into a sand trap...the way you react to that demonstrates a great deal about your character.

Robert告诉Mark, 打高尔夫球有所谓的 handicapping system 差点系统，能 level out the differences in skill 平衡不同选手的水平，让水平相对较差的新手novice能play alongside a more experienced golfer. 跟经验丰富的老手一起打球。在这里，新手novice还可以用rookie来代替。Robert说，从球风还能看出一个人的管理风格。

M: So the executives on the golf course are all sort of sizing each other up?

R: Absolutely. So what about you? Do you play any sports?

M: I was on the ping-pong team in high school. Ping-pong suits my temperament. It requires high concentration and quick decision-making skills. Unfortunately, ping-pong is not a game of choice for most business executives.

R: Yeah...I don't think CEOs like to get too sweaty. Are you interested in trying your hand at golf?

M: I thing I might be. Do I have to purchase a set of golf clubs to begin with?

既然从球风能看出一个人的经营管理风格，那球场上的公司主管们自然都会 size each other up 相互打量，彼此观察。Robert 问Mark 喜欢什么运动项目，Mark说自己上高中的时候曾经打过乒乓球，因为 It suits my temperament. 乒乓球适合我的性情。temperament is spelled t-e-m-p-e-r-a-m-e-n-t, temperament 是性格，性情的意思，可惜的是，乒乓球不是商界高层喜爱的运动， not a game of choice.
Robert表示同意，因为公司CEO们可不愿意get too sweaty 出一身臭汗。Robert 问Mark 愿不愿意 try his hand at golf 试着学打高尔夫球。to try one's hand at something 是尝试的意思。Mark问Robert要不要事先准备一套球杆。Robert回答说：
 
R: Not in the beginning. I'll tell you what, let's go out to the club and hit a few balls next Saturday morning. Who knows? You might get addicted.

M: And like you said, playing golf is a good chance to expand my business networks.

R: It certain is. Well, I've got to take off. How does 7:30 next Saturday morning work for you?

M: Sounds great! Thanks, Robert.

R: Not at all. I'll see you next week.

Robert告诉Mark, 先不用置备球杆，可以先去球场打几个球试试手。Who knows? You might get addicted. 意思是说不定你一下子就会上瘾呢。两人分手前，约好下星期六早上7点半一起去打球。