While many other athletes aren't able to play or even support their chosen sport, Riverside golfer Isaac Roberts is making the most of a dire time.
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With his home course still open thanks to some flexible thinking and implementation of strict protocols, the 14-year-old has been enjoying his form of exercise almost every day.
"A lot of people aren't able to play the sport they love so I'm pretty grateful to be able to come out here and have a hit whenever I can," he said.
"I try to come out everyday, around 12pm, for a couple of hours and hit some balls. Just focusing on areas I'm struggling on at the moment which has been hitting a lot of irons on the range and just trying to flatten out a few swing issues."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Despite being one of the few who can persist with their sport, it hasn't all been positive for the Launceston Christian School student, who had a mainland trip for the Australian Boys' Championships and interstate series cancelled.
He said it's trips like these that have created his best memories in the game.
"Interstate trips have been really good, going away with some good mates. Having great memories over there and winning things at the golf club, socialising with the guys - it's been really good."
Listing professional golfers Adam Scott, Jason Day and Cameron Smith as inspirations in whose footsteps he would love to follow, Isaac got into the sport through his father, Peter, caddying for him when he was 10.
"I had a break for a few years and then came here in 2017, trying to play a bit seriously and I really enjoyed getting back into it.
"Spending time with my dad has been really good and meeting all new people from across the state and interstate - it's been a really enjoyable experience."
It's been thanks to the work and keen eye of coach Bryce Gorham that the up-and-coming player has been able to take his game to a level that matches it with some of the country's best.
"Bryce has really helped me. My swing was pretty average when I went up to see him and it's improved a ton. Everything I've succeeded in, it's definitely a credit to him and his awesome coaching."
I'm pretty grateful to be able to come out here and have a hit whenever I can.
- Isaac Roberts
As Riverside members such as Isaac are appreciative of being able to take to the course, club president Frank Tedeschi is proud of his golfers and how they have adapted.
"As the premier of the state, Peter Gutwein, said several weeks ago, the game of golf provided important exercise for the physical and mental health of participants," he said.
"We have an electronic booking sheet where we control when the players are able to tee off and only two at a time.
"We also ask that golfers do not arrive here on the premises any earlier than 10 minutes before they play.
"There are only 36 players on the course at any one time that's spread over 113 acres of land."
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