Pat turned professional 18 months ago and it has paid immediate dividends with his world ranking at three and World Cup ranking now two in the Compound Bow class.

Being ranked in the top four archers, Pat is now preparing for the World Cup Final in Lausanne in Switzerland in September.

"It is the pinnacle of archery and even though you train for this, it has now become a reality and it is a dream come true," Pat said.

The 33-year-old started archery at five years of age at the Southern Vales Archery Club and his first coach was Rosney Johns, who was the coach of Sydney gold medallist, Simon Fairweather.

"I tried football and joined the army, but I hurt my back, so I had to find a sport I could enjoy and be good at without hurting my back further.

"Archery was the logical choice, as I have been able to strengthen my back and reach some good heights," Pat said.

The secret to be a good archer according to Pat is dedication, concentration, having supportive people around you and a touch of obsessive compulsive.

"I am addicted to archery, as close enough is not good enough.

"Everything has to be perfect," he said.

Pat started shooting again in 2003 and became national champion in 2005.

He followed that win with further success in 07 and 08 and is currently at the top of his game.

"I am shooting the best I have ever shot and I will carry this form to the World Cup, that is my goal," Pat said determinedly.

Because Compound Bows are not yet an Olympic sport, even though they are the most popular archery discipline in the world, Pat cannot test himself on the Olympic stage.

However it is a discipline that will be in the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in India.

"Considering we won the gold medal in the practice event in India we have a great chance to win multiple gold and the men's archery team is ranked number two in the world behind the USA," Pat said proudly.

But right now Pat is perfecting his archery under the watchful eyes of Peter Daish (head of PE at Investigator College) who trains Pat four times a week and James Park (National Compound Head Coach of Archery based in Melbourne).

Archery is becoming more professional and Pat is driving himself to be the best he can be and remain in the sport for as long as possible.

There is longevity in archery that Pat looks forward to, as he loves the game and is reaping the rewards for hours and hours of shooting continuously at one gold dot from 70 metres.

"The sport has been excellent to me and it has honestly saved me, as I need the sport to keep my back strong and give me a purpose in life.

"I have sensational support from many sponsors and South Australian Institute of Sport, Hoyt and Easton, Archery Australia, Great Southern Archery Club, Investigator College and my wife Rachel and son Scout have been fantastic," Pat said thankfully.

The excitement of going away travelling to championships and winning gold medals is always off-set by leaving Rachel and two and a half year old Scout behind.

"I have been overseas 15 weeks this year, so when I come home it is just great to see Rachel and Scout waiting at the airport and it is a moment I treasure.

"I never thought I would ever be in this position.

"To make a living playing the sport you love is unbelievable," Pat concluded.