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 peoplewho've been golfing for 20 years? Isn't it embarrassing?

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

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

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

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playalongside 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 eachother 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 mytemperament. 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 youinterested in trying your hand at golf?

M:I thing I might be. Do I have to purchase a set of golf clubs tobegin 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 mytemperament. 乒乓球适合我的性情。temperamentis 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 toosweaty 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 cluband 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 mybusiness networks.

R:It certain is. Well, I've got to take off. How does 7:30 nextSaturday 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。