Party members can play any sport if they pay

Wang Qishan (center), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, addresses a conference on the work of central-level Party inspection in Beijing, China, Feb 11, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

China Discipline Inspection and Supervision Daily, a newspaper affiliated to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China, the top anti-corruption watchdog, said golf is a sport, and there is no right or wrong in playing golf itself. Beijing News commented on Wednesday:

Party rules ban members from taking part in sports and entertainments that might affect their work, and prohibit members from accepting prepaid cards from shops, fitness centers, leisure clubs and sports clubs.

However, the rules do not ban members of the Party or civil service from playing golf that is paid for at their own expenses and which does not affect their work.

Golf means fresh air, exercise and friendship. It should not be demonized as an activity monopolized by corrupt officials.

The disciplinary watchdog's article comes at the right time. The purpose of the anti-corruption campaign is to improve the government's efficiency, promote the rule of law, and keep the Party clean and well-regulated, instead of making Party members and civil servants live in fear of Party discipline.

The Party members must be aware of the traps that an expensive prepaid golf card conceals. Accepting it means the officials are expected to return the favor in some form.

Golf is popular with people from all walks of life in developed countries. But in China, many people label it as a game exclusively for the rich and powerful, which actually hinders the development of the game in China.

Civil servants undoubtedly have the right to play golf in their spare time and at their own expense.