I live in San Francisco and the rage these days amongst the stroller set is to plan the next 18 years of their child's life, including how, when, and from whom their child will learn the Chinese language. Some families have already hired O.C. (original Chinese) nannies  (nytimes, reg. req.) to look after the fruit of their loins and coddle them with the foreign tongue. All of this in the name of the competitive global business climate we are approaching.

In turn, it appears that the Chinese are planning on keeping up with the Western world and the way they do business. Students majoring in  management, law, economics, and software engineering at Xiamen University will be required to take a course in golf. This golf tangent is an effort to produce "socially elite" graduates that will be prepared to handle business deals that regularly occur on the golf course.

This is a growing trend, as Elite Peking University has recently decided to build a golf course on campus. 

In the past, the Chinese have perceived golf as extravagant and elitist. However, as the collective Chinese waist line bulges with a growing economy, continued globalization, and capitalistic pressure, golf is becoming as compulsory as the international languages of math and science. It should be of no suprise that the Chinese make their foreign language study in English.

"Golf is not only good exercise but will teach students communication skills and benefit their future careers," a paper quoted the university's president Zhu Chongshi as saying. "The highest embodiment of the education system is producing socially elite people with the best education."

"The aim is to help the students find good jobs," a sports professor at the school, Chen Xiao, was quoted as saying. "Many Chinese business deals are clinched on golf courses."

However, these trends are not free from opposition.

"To try to make golf compulsory is rather vulgar," Alex Jin, president of the Center for International Education Group, was quoted as saying. He added that some regions in China needed investment in better primary health care.

In conclusion, our world is growing smaller and smaller. In addition to competing on a global stage, we will also be required to rub elbows across boarders. I can imagine a world where International flights and business golf are on the agendas of every business man/woman. The foundation for this future is being developed with Chinese nannies in the U.S. In the name of International free trade, maybe it's time for you to take your golf knowledge to China and find some teaching opportunities.

Hopefully, all of this cultural exchange will improve the texture of every life and games like golf.