For nearly a year, Luo Yuke's father has taken him every Sunday to a golf course far from the family home to indulge the nine-year-old boy's new passion.
The younger Luo idolises US golfer Tiger Woods but does not plan to play professional golf. 'I want to do business, maybe run a travel company like my dad in the future. Many people said golf would be useful,' he said.
Mainland parents are spending big sums of money so their children can learn sports previously thought the preserve of the wealthy. More young people in Shanghai are suiting up for golf, tennis, horse-riding and fencing in a city where children once jumped rope or hit a shuttlecock.
The growing interest comes as Shanghai hosts more international events and tries to challenge Beijing as the sporting centre of the mainland. The capital may be hosting the Olympic Games in 2008 but Shanghai already boasts Formula One motor racing, Champions Tournament golf and Masters Cup tennis.
But the goal of parents is not necessarily exercise or even leisure for their children. And most parents are not trying to create the next Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie. Instead, they see sport as a tool for a future business career and a way of entering the exclusive club of the rich. The younger Luo disliked golf at first and did not understand why his father, Luo Lianggang , wanted him to practise his swing after school. 'But since he found out he is the only one among his schoolmates who can play golf, he likes it,' Mr Luo said.
Mr Luo has spent at least 30,000 yuan on his son's hobby, including professional clubs, a foreign coach and fees to play on Shanghai's many golf courses. He has also installed a mini putting green at home. 'As long as he's willing to play, I will support him,' Mr Luo said.
The Chinese boy stands out among the children of expatriates at the Shuzi Golf Training Centre, which opened a junior golf course two years ago. But his parents are not the only ones to decide that their child needs more than academic achievement to get ahead.