A TRAINEE actuary from Chelmsford will warm up for his autumn exams by playing his second Ryder Cup course in little over two weeks.

Ben Steed will tee up alongside his Channels PGA Professional Jason Levermore in the £43,600 Lombard Trophy grand final over the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles.

The duo, paired together for the first time in the regional final at Camberley Heath earlier this summer, were among 800 teams to enter the event, the largest pro-am in Europe.

They will be one of just 16 clubs still standing when they hit the fairways of the Auchterarder venue on September 1-2.

And Ipswich Town supporter Steed, 25, is relishing the opportunity to get away from the books for a few days – and comparing the experience to that offered up by 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor where he recently took a break with friends.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to play the two courses so close together,” he enthused.

“I’ve played the Belfry before too so I have got experience on that standard of course – I’ve never played them in anything like this though.

“I’ve only been playing golf for four years, all of my friends played it so I thought I would give it a go.

“I play every weekend and take part in the club competitions, although this will be the biggest thing I’ve played in by far.

“But I’m going to enjoy the experience while I’m at Gleneagles, because when I get back I’m going to have to knuckle down for my exams!”

Steed will have ample support in Levermore, an established pro who is preparing for the PGA Pro-Captain Challenge final and the British Masters at Woburn, as well as the Gleneagles showpiece.