TEENAGERS hoping to follow in the footsteps of Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods are being offered the chance to gain a recognised national qualification – in golf.

Applicants to the OCVC Academy, a partnership between Oxford & Cherwell Valley College and Kirtlington Golf Club, will study for a BTEC diploma in sport and exercise science, specialising in the sport.

As well as meeting minimum GCSE requirements, 16 to 19-year-olds need a handicap of 12 or lower to secure a place on the course.

They are required to complete a minimum of three hours professional golf coaching each week, alongside classroom lessons and sport activities at Oxford Brookes University, and are expected to practice teeing off at least four or five more times a week in their own time.

Students will not have to pay for the course but should contribute towards equipment costs.

Course leader Hamish McCurrach said: “This is a very practical course allowing our students to develop their knowledge in a range of sports science topics at the same time as improving their coaching and playing skills and abilities.

“It offers an excellent progression route into higher education or into the workplace and a fantastic opportunity to pursue a long-term career in golf.”

Richard Peirson, the college’s programme manager for sport and public services, said the course worked in a similar way to an existing partnership for footballers with Oxford United.

He said: “It gives them the knowledge, skills and background to follow into their trades, much the same as any other student breaking into any other trade.

“It’s offering real life work experience the same as going off to do other work placements.”

Just one teen took up the course in its first year.

Elliot Bradley, 18, has now gone on to the Tournament Golf College at Plymouth University.

The former Henry Box School pupil said: “It was a great opportunity for me to improve my golf game, while at the same time gaining qualifications.

“The golf and the educational aspects of the course go hand-in-hand and I used much of what I learnt to improve my golf game.”

Robbie Nicholson, Dan Willoughby and Carl Shirley are set to take part in the course this year.

Robbie said: “Being able to have quality golf coaching while learning the academic side of things is a great combination.”

Dan added: “It’s a great chance to work with a great coach.”