RISING star Ben Hodgetts’ first tournament as a professional ended in disappointment after he was forced to withdraw with an ankle injury.

Playing in the Parman Cup on the Nicklaus Course at Trethorne Golf Club, near Launceston in Cornwall, the Droitwich resident looked in good shape for a top-10 finish until a freak accident brought a premature end to his participation.

The 19-year-old, who is based at the Forest of Arden course in Warwickshire, was on the 15th hole of his first round when he slipped on some steps and damaged his ankle.

He managed to complete the round, but was forced to pull out of the event before round two got under way. It was particularly disappointing for Hodgetts as he felt he had found some of his best form in recent months.

However, he is determined to bounce back and has now set his sights on qualifying for next year’s Open Championship at Turnberry.

The former Droitwich High School pupil said: “It was so disappointing having to retire because I was playing well and felt I could finish in the top 20 or even the top 10. I was only two or three shots behind the leader.

“I’d shot level par in my practice round and was going OK, but I slipped on the wet steps and could hardly walk, so had to pull out.”

Despite the tournament being Hodgetts’ first outing as a professional golfer, the teenager said he wasn’t too nervous on the first tee.

He added: “It was a bit strange when they announced my name over the tannoy, but I drilled my drive down the middle and felt confident.

“Before the tournament, I’d not been doing too well, but it all clicked into place and I was confident I could mix it with the other guys.

“My ankle is fine now and I feel I am playing well — I can’t wait to get back. I’ve probably got about six or seven weeks until my sponsors put me into the next tournament.

“Hopefully I can shave a few shots of my scores and I should be able to compete at the top of the leaderboards.”