May 21, 2013

Most Golf Clubs Still for Males


Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. long overdue [lawng, long oh-ver-DOO, -DYOO]  (adj. phrase) – very late or delayed
Example: The recognition for the skilled athlete was long overdue.
           
2. putt [puht] (n.) – (In golf) the act of hitting a ball with a golf club
Example: The sports magazine shows an image of a golfer doing his best putt.

3. beacon [BEE-kuh n] (n.) – a source of inspiration or encouragement.
Example: The swimmer’s mom served as a beacon of hope during hard times.

4. follow suit [FOL-oh soot] (phrasal v.) – to do something that others have already done before
Example: When an audience started clapping for the winning team, everyone followed suit.

5. off-limits [AWF-LIM-its, OF-] (adj.) – cannot be entered or used
Example: The pool was off-limits to non-athletes during the swimming competition.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.


Accepting female members in golf clubs seems long overdue. Although Augusta National Golf Club has already started including females last year, other golf clubs still implement an all-male policy.

Currently, the only female members of Augusta National are Condoleezza Rice, who is known for her impressive putt, and South Carolina financier Darla Moore.

Professional golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson also agree that the golf industry should really start accepting female members.

Augusta chairman Billy Payne said that the membership of the two women is a great change, making his club feel like a beacon in the world of golf. However, he is still not sure if this change would be enough to start a big difference in the male-dominated sport.

When asked if other clubs should follow suit with Augusta’s huge step, Payne responded that the decision still depends on each club. Mickelson, on the other hand, decided not to comment, saying that he is not interested in the politics of the game.

While some people believe that the golf industry should have female members, many clubs still intend to remain exclusive for men.

For example, the venue of this year's British Open in Muirfield in Scotland is still off-limits to women. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews, which governs the game outside the US, is also only for males.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why do you think golf is dominated by male athletes?
·         What are the disadvantages of having a sports club that is exclusive to male? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Do you think women and men should be allowed to compete in the same sports category? Why or why not?
·         In your opinion, should male-dominated sports start accepting females? Why or why not?


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