Travis Smyth hasn't forgotten where he came from, nor how hard the journey is to become more than merely good at the sport he loves.
Now, with the help of one of his mates, Adam Barnard, his sponsors and St. Michael's Golf Club connections, the rookie tour professional has set up an annual scholarship which he hopes will help talented Illawarra junior golfers chase their dreams.
The decision to start a scholarship was something Smyth has wanted to do for some time. He said, importantly, it was one where he could assist with first-hand.
"I just wanted to give young players from the Illawarra the chance to play in the big competitions up in Sydney and get access to coaches and what it's like to be in the professional environment.
It's primarily about opening doors which might otherwise be shut to emerging players," Smyth said.
The first recipient of the Travis Smyth Scholarship is Kiama 16-year-old Eddie Ward.
As part of the scholarship, Ward will be given membership at Sydney's St. Michael's Golf Club, Smyth's home course, as well as elite training opportunities, including assistance from Smyth's mentor, John Serhan, conditioning from renowned mental coach John Novak, physiology assistance from Matt Green, and gym membership from Smyth's sponsor, Anytime Fitness.
"It's a difficult thing to do, taking the next step when you're not in Sydney," Smyth added. "I look back now and wish I'd spent more time on technique when I was Eddie's age; it's such an important part of your development if you're going to make it to the professional ranks."
"I didn't really know Eddie, I certainly knew of him and know he's a great young talent, so it's great to help him along that path hopefully."