Shanghai University of Finance & Economics has added golf courses to its physical education offerings this semester to prepare students for future business activities, local newspaper Shanghai Youth Daily reports Monday.

Chen Xiao, a professor from the university's physical education department, said the university now has 14 golf courses covering an area of 600 square meters. Golf balls and clubs as well as textbooks on learning golf are available, the professor noted.

The university has spent 150,000 yuan (US$18,880) on the golf courses. Although the courses use square green mats instead of real grass, the facilities are adequate for students to learn basic golf skills. Moreover, the course organizes some off-campus practices on standard golf courts, Chen said.

In response to the university's new curriculum, some students fear building the courses will cost them more money.

Chen dismissed the students' worries, saying students only have to pay for renting the off-campus golf courses, which range from 100 to 200 yuan per person for one academic year.

Only 120 students can take part in the course due to the limited facilities.

The university is the first among Shanghai's universities to introduce golf. Chen said the school hopes the courses will benefit students in landing jobs.

"Our university is one that produces business talents. Nowadays, businessmen like discussing business on golf courses," Chen said. "We hope our students can master the sport."

Teachers from other universities such as Shanghai University and Shanghai Finance University have consulted Chen about the courses and plan to set up golf courses at their universities.

(CRI September 19, 2006)