GIFTED Droitwich teenager Ben Hodgetts has been offered places at two of the most prestigious golf academies in the country.

Hodgetts, 16, is being chased by Hartpury Golf Academy and Bristol's Filton College - the starting point for Ryder Cup player Ian Poulter and rising star Justin Rose.

Now the Droitwich Spa High School pupil must choose which direction he takes his burgeoning career in.

He said: "It's a big decision for someone of my age to make, as both academies have excellent reputations.

"If I go to Filton it means I will have to move away from home, but it has an excellent record.

"If I go to Hartpury I could be playing in the professional ranks in three-years."

Hodgetts is golf's newest hot-property after he impressed at Filton's assessment tournament on February 12.

Despite blustery weather conditions forcing the competition off, Hodgetts was leading the tournament after seven holes.

Filton has been the starting point for several of England's up-and-coming new golfers and students there play in America and Portugal.

If Hodgetts, who has a handicap of 2.5, goes to Hartpury he would go straight into the European Tour after completing his three year course.

Hodgetts , who practices six times a week, aims to match England's most successful player - three time Open winner Nick Faldo.

He said: "I want to win majors, play in America and try and match some of Nick Faldo's acheivements.

"He has set the bench-mark for English golfers and I'd love to reach it."