A talented teenage golfer has been awarded a prestigious scholarship in the United States.

Alfie Burnett, 17, first picked up a plastic golf club at the age of three.

Now, the Rawtenstall lad has been awarded a scholarship at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Alfie, who is currently completing his A-levels at Haslingden High School and Sixth Form, is amongst 10 to 12 students who were awarded the junior university places at the college.

He will relocate to Mississippi next summer to take up the scholarship.

Alfie plays six times a week and also represents Lancashire U18sAlfie plays six times a week and also represents Lancashire U18s (Image: Supplied)

Alfie, who plays six times a week for Hillside Golf Club, Clitheroe Golf Club, and also represents Lancashire U18s, said: "The first two years will see me perfecting my game and there are some new rules I will have to learn.

"The weather will be better out there and so that means the ball will fly further, so I will have to get used to that.

"After two years, I will go on to a larger university for another two years, and if I am number one at university, I will get an automatic card to the PGA which will be a major stepping stone onto a professional career.

"I aim to be the best and become a pro."

Alfie started playing golf at the age of three, initially on mini golf, and soon moved to the driving range at Rawtenstall.

He was even interviewed by Clare Balding when he was six for a TV programme.

He said: "I found a sport I liked, it was fun, and I was good at it.

"My handicap is +.7 and my best result in competitions was a couple of 69s when the par was 71 or 72.

“Watching golf is boring, but when you play it, it is quite fun, especially when you are playing well.”