Jamshedpur schoolchildren swing away at the golf training session during the holidays. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, March 6: Golf has caught the fancy of several youths in the steel city as many students have taken to teeing before they begin their new academic session.

At Beldih golf course the number of golf enthusiasts has gone up to 50 from 23 till two weeks ago. Subir Sarkar, a Class VII student of Loyola School, said he is a fan of golf champion Tiger Woods and is inspired by him.

?This vacation, I thought of learning the basics of golf. So, I got myself enrolled for the training. I thought it was an ideal time to start learning the game as my school is closed and there is nothing to keep me occupied,? he stated.

But Subir was quick to add that he was not sure whether he would be able to continue the training after the school reopens in a week?s time.

Allan Singh, a senior sports manager of Tata Steel, who is busy training youngsters in golf, said: ?There is no particular duration of this course. It has been designed keeping in mind the convenience of the students who can come to lessons even during their vacation?. Golf is a very relaxing game, it helps people to get rid of their stress.?

The experts, who have been training students around this time for the past two years, said such short-term coaching in golf would make the common people aware of the game, which has been the choice of the elite class.

?We are looking forward to train youngsters by giving them an insight into this interesting game and I am really impressed by their talent,? said Satish Pillai, the chief of sports at Tata Steel.

Abhinav Nayar, a regular at the training centre for the past 10 days, said: ?I enjoy playing golf and though I knew the basics, this stint is proving to be very helpful, because I am getting professional help to improve my game.?

But unlike Subir, he said he was hopeful he would be able to continue for a few more days after his classes resume.

?I would surely love to come back and continue taking training in the game, but let?s see if the time and the schedule permits,? he said.

The trainers at the club said the first-time learners were practising hard to master the game and they also displayed a lot of patience. ?Indeed, the students are trying their best,? they pointed out, adding that they expect to see a rise in the number of students joining the course to learn the game.