Statistics show that the number of golf courses in Shanghai has risen to the current 12 from one in 1990, while there are some 30,000 to 40,000 golfers in the city. In addition, many beginners are learning the ropes at the more than 20 local golf drilling sites.

However, only nine qualified coaches - six males and three females, who have passed the qualification test held by the China Profess-ional Golf Association - are available in the city

Association officials said the city's golf operators had to turn to professional coaches from abroad and amateur local coaches to meet the rising demand.

For instance, the Grand City Golf Club, a major golf training center in the city, has hired a Malaysian trainer, an American coach and four amateur local coaches, in addition to the five qualified local coaches.

"We have to hire top amateur golfers as coaches to meet the high demand," said Judy Shen of Grand City.

Wang Jinpei, secretary-general of the golf association, said, "Faced with the high demand, some training centers have even hired people who actually know little about golf as coaches."

According to the association, golf coaches now earn 200 to 500 yuan an hour from one student. Since they usually teach many at the same time, they can earn up to 10,000 yuan a month.

Industry insiders insist that coaches aside, the qua-lity of training in Shanghai should also be improved.

"Local golfers should pay more attention to playing etiquette, but current train-ing only focuses on skills practice," said Ma Jiawei, manager of the International Golf and Country Club, adding "some locals tend to make noise while some play too slowly, which disturbed other players around. Golf is an elegant group activity, so players should take care."

Wu Desheng, a doctor who learnt the sport at a Lujiazui area site in Pudong District, said, "Our coaches only gave us some initial guidance at the beginning. The rest I learned by myself."

(eastday.com December 9, 2002)