VOA标准英语2012--South African Youth Program Serves as Link to Pro Golf

South African Youth Program Serves as Link to Pro¹ Golf

Under a blue sky, and amid a scenic² landscape, these young golfers are dreaming big. This amateur tournament is one of the most prestigious³ competitions in its category in the country. Winning it can be a big step toward a professional career.

South Africa has a long history of producing top golfers. South Africa Golf Association President Colin Burger offers a reason why.

"We can play all year around here, which is obviously an advantage for us. We can play 12 months of the year, so we can actually groom⁴ our juniors up until the seniors, and we can play a lot of tournaments all over the country in good weather conditions," said Burger.

South Africa also has programs to spot and develop young talent, regardless of social background. Here in Soweto, these youngsters have traded their soccer balls for golf clubs. The South Africa Golf Development Board offers programs across the country to teach children to play golf. Every day after school, they can come for free to perfect their swing with a coach.

Fifteen-year-old Percy has come for two years. "I like golf because it's fun to play, and it needs a lot of concentration, and that's what I have," he said.

When the children are good enough, they can practice at a regular golf course, and the best get to play in tournaments around the country. For the South Africa Golf Development Board, golf is more than a sport, said regional manager Andy Ostle.

"The game of golf is very similar to life itself. It teaches them etiquette⁵, it teaches them values, it teaches them honesty. And the most important thing, it takes them off the streets. And [they're] doing something worthwhile that they can actually pursue once they become an adult,” said Ostle.

And there are benefits for those young players who do not become professionals. 

“To play golf, they also have to go to school, they have to pass their exams, and if they pass their exams, then there is a much better possibility to get a job. Especially in the golfing industry. In the golfing world, [golf] clubs,” said Ostle.

In the South Africa Golf Association, 25 percent of the players in the junior section turn pro after three years. The future of South African golf is already in good hands. 

1 pro   

n.赞成，赞成的意见，赞成者

参考例句：

• The two debating teams argued the question pro and con.辩论的两组从赞成与反对两方面辩这一问题。
• Are you pro or con nuclear disarmament?你是赞成还是反对核裁军？

2 scenic   

adj.自然景色的，景色优美的

参考例句：

• The scenic beauty of the place entranced the visitors.这里的美丽风光把游客们迷住了。
• The scenic spot is on northwestern outskirts of Beijing.这个风景区位于北京的西北远郊。

3 prestigious   

adj.有威望的，有声望的，受尊敬的

参考例句：

• The young man graduated from a prestigious university.这个年轻人毕业于一所名牌大学。
• You may even join a prestigious magazine as a contributing editor.甚至可能会加入一个知名杂志做编辑。

4 groom   

vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁

参考例句：

• His father was a groom.他父亲曾是个马夫。
• George was already being groomed for the top job.为承担这份高级工作，乔治已在接受专门的培训。

5 etiquette   

n.礼仪，礼节；规矩

参考例句：

• The rules of etiquette are not so strict nowadays.如今的礼仪规则已不那么严格了。
• According to etiquette,you should stand up to meet a guest.按照礼节你应该站起来接待客人。