With the growing popularity of golf, a high school will establish its first golf-only class in 2008.
Shinsung High School located in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, earned approval Monday to establish a golf-only class from the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, the school said Wednesday.
The school plans to recruit 25 young golfers next year.
This is the first case among high schools under the education equalization system.
Two other high schools ㅡ Ipo High School in Gyeonggi Province and Hampyeong High School in South Jeolla Province ㅡ run golf classes, but not under the equalization system.
``We decided to launch the class in the hope of providing young golfers with better options,'' said Kim Kyung-tae, a golf coach at the school. ``We are going to offer full three-year scholarships to every golf player.''
The school also signed a partnership with TaylorMade, a U.S. based golf equipment producer, which will provide supplies including clubs, balls and shoes for the students.
``Before, students shouldered the financial burden,'' Kim said. ``The new class will have financial support from the school as well as the government, easing the burden on their parents.''
To provide a more systematic training program, the high school plans to hire more golf experts _ currently the school has four instructors.
The school is in talks with golf courses around the school to practice on. It also plans to construct an indoor practice range at the school.