Little did he know that by the end of the competition, he would be carrying the bag for winner Jake McLeod. 

The Warilla resident was by McLeod’s side as he pulled away from the field with a course-record 62 on Saturday and as he overcame a nervous start on Sunday to secure the victory. 

“I saw a post on Facebook asking for caddies and I said I’m available,” Sandak said. “A few days later the club called me and asked if I was keen and I said yes. 

“A friend of mine was also volunteering and he had a golf pro with a bit of a name, I had someone no one had ever heard of. He gave me a bit of stick, saying he had a pro and I had a nobody. Well he ain’t a nobody no more, he’s a legend.”

The competition wasn’t Sandak’s first time carrying the sticks at a professional golf event, with the mechanical supervisor having previously caddied for Mal Baker.

The father of Kiama professional Elle Sandak, John has also caddied Elle for the entirety of her junior career and many of her amateur starts.  

It was that experience, he believes, that helped him guide McLeod to his first professional victory. 

“I caddied all of Elle’s junior career and some of her amateur career here and overseas. I know my way around what to do, how to make them not think about golf all day. I give them some jokes, talk about the outside world, just try to get them laughing from the first hole onward.”

In spending four days by McLeod’s side, Sandak was able to experience the highs and lows that come with a golf tournament first hand. 

There were the highs of Saturday’s incredible round and the lows of Sunday’s nervous start which saw him hit two bogeys on the front nine. 

Ultimately, McLeod turned the corner with an eagle on the 11^th and never looked back, securing a two-stroke victory with a par on the 18^th. 

“Saturday was the key round, it was one of the most fantastic rounds I’ve ever seen.

“Then on Sunday he wasn’t so much struggling, it was more just nerves. He was playing in a final round, in a group with people he knew and his decision making was not as sharp. But he still pulled through it and enjoyed the day.

“Late on Sunday I heard a whisper someone had the same score as him, but I didn’t want to get his mind sidetracked, he was pretty focused. One thing I have learnt is don’t give them any outside influences, good or bad. 

“I didn’t say anything, he kept his cool and we enjoyed the moment.”

As to whether Sandak plans on returning next year?

“I’ve got my name down for next year. Hopefully I can caddie for Jake, but if not, I’ll try to help someone else win the championships.”