Students learn golf as an optional subject at the middle school attached to Nanjing Normal University on October 14, 2008. [Photo: Sohu.com/China Foto Press]

Students in a middle school located in Nanjing, eastern China's Jiangsu Province, have been given the opportunity to learn golf as part of their studies, Sohu.com reported on Wednesday.

Mr. Wang, a PE teacher who teaches the golf course at the middle school, told reporters that the General Administration of Sport and Chinese Golf Association have decided to promote golf in middle schools this year and it made its debut in the middle school attached to Nanjing Normal University last month.

Wang added, though golf is regarded as a "noble" sport, it's a good exercise for ordinary people because golf has no age requirement.

Over 40 students have taken the course at the school, and they have shown improvement after practicing three lessons.

However, some parents hold different views towards the course. Some think it benefits all-round education, while others consider golf as a sport for "aristocrats" and inappropriate for students, when compared with playing basketball and football.

(CRI October 16, 2008)