Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. confidant
(n.) [kon-fi-dant] – a person with whom important matters are discussed
Example: Her best friend was her confidant.
2. intricacy
(n.) [in-tri-kuh-see] – the character or state of being complex or difficult to
understand
Example: The intricacies of the gown’s design
received much praise from the experts.
3.
twist (n.) [twist] – an unexpected change in something
Example: He almost lost because of twists in
between the games.
4. lucrative
(adj.) [loo-kruh-tiv] – profitable or moneymaking
Example: Working as a performing artist is very
lucrative.
5. discreet
(adj.) [dih-skreet] – careful to avoid social embarrassment by keeping one’s silence
Example: It was difficult to know more about
her personality because she was so discreet.
Article
Read the text below.
Golf caddies do more than carry bags for golf
players. How they fulfill their roles as friend, confidant, and adviser may determine a player’s victory.
The best caddies possess a serious familiarity
with the intricacies of golf,
including the twists and tricks of
the game. They help golfers strategize by predicting weather conditions or
sizing the golf course.
Caddies play different roles when dealing with a
player under pressure. When the golfer becomes emotional, the caddy acts as mind
reader and psychologist, helping the player get through the competition.
Knowing the right time and place to give the right advice can secure a good
employment for caddies in their lucrative
career.
One success story is that of Dave Renwick's,
caddy to Australian golfer Steve Elkington. Elkington was so impressed with
Renwick that he gave the caddy all his winnings during the 1995 PGA
Championship.
While, famous golfer Nick Faldo's female caddy
Fanny Sunesson holds true to an old caddies’ saying, “show up, keep up and
shut up.” Sunesson was known to be well-organized and disciplined. She also
remained discreet and refused to
give interviews to the media while she worked with Faldo. Her voice was
unheard until she demanded hush from the audience at a tournament.
Caddies may not hit the shots, but they play a
vital role in the golfer's decision-making process and keep them grounded
when emotion can so easily challenge their focus and damage their
performance.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Do
you think being a golf caddy is easy? Why or why not?
·
Do
you think golf caddies deserve another title? What do you think it should be?
Discussion
B
·
What
other careers in sports can one pursue other than being an athlete?
·
What
do you think is best thing about being in the sports industry?