It was the breakthrough victory that would kickstart Baddeley's professional career, returning to win the same event in 2000.

Danny Nesbitt was a fresh-faced 14-year-old who had made the trip from his home in Cordeaux Heights to volunteer as a leaderboard carrier at the '99 Open.

Watching Baddeley play his way to the title ignited a fire in his belly that would burn for many years to come.

Nesbitt, now living in Shellharbour, worked his way through the Jack Newton junior foundation and began his traineeship to turn professional once he finished high school.

Three months out from completing his three-year traineeship, however, he had a change of heart and walked away from the course.

"I kind of got sick of the game and stopped playing for a year or so," Nesbitt said.

"I was literally three months from finishing my traineeship and becoming a qualified golf pro.

"I don't think that's what I wanted to do.

"I enjoy it more playing with my mates now than taking it too seriously."

After 12 months away from golf, Nesbitt took the clubs out from the back of the closet and began playing socially with a few mates.

These days he enjoys a weekly round on Saturday morning, while sinking a few beers along the way.

The rules might be a little bit stricter on alcohol consumption when he tees off at the Australian this morning.

Nesbitt has the chance to become the first amateur since Baddeley in 1999 to win the Australian Open.

He snuck into the main draw by shooting an astonishing five-under-par in qualifying on Monday.

Nesbitt sunk a birdie putt on the last hole of his round to shoot 67 and tied second, edging into the draw by a single shot.

"There's 90 guys there for three spots available, so the hopes aren't really high," Nesbitt said.

"I played very well Monday.

"I didn't make too many mistakes and ended up birdieing the last hole to get through."

No matter what happens over the coming four days, the Shellharbour local is planning to start a job in real estate in the New Year.

But if he can emulate Baddeley's performance from 15 years ago, who knows where he could end up?

Nesbitt will hit off the first tee at 8.30am on Thursday alongside American professionals Garrett Sapp and Patrick Rogers.