People often consider golf a noble sport. But in Shanghai in East China, seven primary and secondary schools will be teaching their students how to play golf next year. All the schools - one private and six public - are in the city's more affluent neighborhoods districts.

As one of the seven schools, Yongchang Private School introduced the course two years ago. Golf is not optional but compulsory for every pupil in the first, second and sixth grades. It has also set up an amateur golf team with more than 10 members.

A student said, "I think golf is interesting, because it can make us more united."

Each coin has two sides. Some are worried that golf classes may lead to a sense of elitism among students. But the principal of Yongchang private school says the golf classes are popular with students. He has received much positive feedback from parents because they think it will help cultivate a social manner and temperament that will be beneficial for their future networking.

As golf balls are made of hard materials, it is of the utmost importance that schools pay proper attention to safety issues. The principal says they give safety lessons, buy insurance and make sure teachers as well as assistants supervise the students.

In the near future, schools in other cities like Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen intend to include golf classes in their curriculum.

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