Popular Pom beefs up Aussie PGA

“BEEF” is heading to the Gold Coast, with English fan favourite Andrew Johnston packing his clubs, lush beard and engaging game for the Australian PGA.

Tournament organisers are delighted to have hooked the charismatic larrikin who has just one European Tour title but the following of a world top 10 player.

Johnston, 29, breaks the mould of cardboard cutout Americans and not simply because he once happily teed up a cheeseburger to see how far he could drive it.

His animated manner with galleries and broad grin come naturally for a burly shotmaker who won in Spain in 2016 and finished eighth in the British Open the same year.

A second in the Indian Open is Johnston’s best result of a steady year with three top 10s on the European Tour.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Australia and I definitely couldn’t call myself a proper Englishman if I haven’t ticked the Gold Coast off my list,” Johnston said.

His presence beefs up the field for the $1.5 million tournament beside Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith.

PGA of Australian chief executive Gavin Kirkman said: “Beef is a sociable character with an exciting golf game.”