Part of the driving range at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Photo: Yang Hui/GT

 

Coach Gao teaches a class at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics how to address the ball. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

Golf, which is one of the fastest growing sports and pastimes for middle-class Chinese, is now attracting a new group of fans. University students in Shanghai are picking up their drivers and putters and hitting off, heading for greens all around the city. The 2014 Shanghai University Golf Championship, which ended on October 31, attracted more than 100 students from 13 Shanghai universities competing for the prizes on offer.

Students practice on campus. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

 

Students practice on the university golf course driving range. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

According to a golf coach surnamed Gao from the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, 14 universities in Shanghai have joined to establish their own golf course, which will allow some 2,000 students to learn how to play. But competition is tough to hit off there - one university has seen more than 300 students apply for golf lessons there but the institution itself can only offer 60 places.

Students choose their clubs. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

 

In action on the driving range at the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art Photo: Yang Hui/GT

There are a variety of reasons for these students to take up the game. Some enjoy the challenge of the sport and believe that good golfers have special skills that can adapt to their professional lives. And others take up golf because it has long been popular among business executives and decision-makers. "It's also much cheaper learning to play golf on campus," one student noted.  

Golf balls for practice Photo: Yang Hui/GT

 

Students from the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art practice putting. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

One recent graduate surnamed Wu has been playing golf for two years and spent 2,000 yuan ($325.59) on a set of homemade golf clubs when he was a sophomore. "It's like driving a car - it's a skill that university students have to have today. I always put it in my resume and it gets favorable comments in interviews."

Another student surnamed He works as a caddie in the summer vacations to become involved and learn about the game. Following the trend, many city golf clubs and greens have reduced their green fees to 20 yuan per hour for students. Secondhand golf clubs between 100 yuan and 200 yuan are favorites with students.

Global Times