A STUDENT from Blackpool has secured the experience of a lifetime by earning a work placement at a top golf club during the US Open, this summer.

Steven Clarke is in his second year of an HND in Turf Science and Golf Course Management at Myerscough College, near Preston.

He jetted off to Chicago as part of an 18-month student exchange placement at the Olympia Fields Country Club in June last year.

The 20-year-old will now spend time at the Quail West Golf Course, in Naples, Florida, learning about warm season grasses before returning to Olympia Fields in March to continue his placement.

And will help to prepare for the prestigious US Open golf tournament in which Tiger Woods will be attempting to defend his champion title.

The assignment has been arranged with the help of Myerscough's sister college, the Ohio State University who have a 20-year history together.

Steven said: "I'm having a fantastic time here in the US.

"And gaining invaluable hands-on experience of my future profession by working alongside a crew of 60 people and helping with the general upkeep and maintenance of the two 18-hole courses.

"I will certainly complete my final year with a new perspective on my subject."

Programme leader for Sportsturf at Myerscough, Colin Stanfield said: "Golf tournaments don't get any bigger than the US Open.

"And Olympia Fields is one of the best golf courses in the US.

"Student placements simply can't get better than this!"

Steven will be returning to Blackpool in September this year to enter his final year at the college.