TOM Biron knows the next three years are going to be full-on, but the rewards at the end will be well worth it.
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He is currently in the first year of a three-year traineeship that will open up a variety of pathways into the world of golf.
Over the last five years, the Port Macquarie golfer has developed a love for the sport.
An overall sportsman since his early teenage years, the 20-year-old recently made the decision to focus full-time on the golf course.
"A couple of years ago I would never have thought of having a career in golf so it developed really quickly," Biron said.
"Someone mentioned that I should give a traineeship a go, I liked what I read so I thought I'd see what happens."
While the ultimate rewards are exciting, a lot of hard work has to go into making it firstly onto the Australian tour and then potentially progressing onto the world tour.
"It involves 38-hours a week in the pro shop with guidance from my head pro and an online TAFE course which I have to complete throughout the year," he said.
"I've also got to play 30 competition rounds with trainees and any other professional events throughout the year."
Port Macquarie golfer Steven Jeffress did a similar traineeship in the region and he now finds himself playing on the Australian tour.
A couple of years ago I would never have thought of having a career in golf so it developed really quickly.
- Tom Biron
"It would be good to try and do what he's doing otherwise I can move into some other role in golf," Biron said.
"I want to play for a living and hopefully make the professional tour here in Australia and then move onto the American circuit.
"But if that doesn't happen - which it doesn't for most golfers - then I can always have a career elsewhere in golf.
"Whether it's teaching or being a general manager at a golf club or a head professional like James (Single).
"Anything to stay involved with golf is what I'm looking for."
Biron is keeping his options open at what he would like to achieve after the three years.
"Hopefully I've already made it to a level where I can just play golf on the Australian tour," he said.
"If not, I've always had in mind I'd like to go overseas and play over there or give teaching a go over there.
I want to play for a living and hopefully make the professional tour here in Australia and then move onto the American circuit.
- Tom Biron
"I don't think Australia is the best spot for teaching or amateur golfers so moving overseas is more golf-orientated than here."
For now Biron was focused on achieving his best results academically.
He believed that would give him the best chance of staying involved in the sport.
"It would be good because that helps with lining up a job when you're finished," he said.
"My main goal is see how far I can go with the playing side of things.
"It would be good to get the opportunity to play for money and try and beat all the other guys that are trying to do the same thing."
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