New-found fame is giving ‘Beef’ food for thought

HE’S only played twice before in America, so one might think Andrew ‘Beef ’ Johnston’s sole focus in the lead up to today’s first round of the US PGA would be getting to know Baltusrol inside out.

Not a bit of it. The new fans’ favourite has been getting to know his public and, more importantly, how the meat tastes Stateside.

The 27-year-old Londoner, who caused a storm on his way to finishing eighth at the Open, hit Manhattan to sample pastrami at Katz’s Deli, burgers throughout the city and the fare at his newest sponsor, Arby’s, where he even took a turn working behind the counter.

Johnston’s breakthrough came with victory at the Spanish Open in April which, together with six top-15 finishes has taken him to 88th in the world. He admits he’s spent more time than he should have signing autographs for fans at the US PGA, many of whom are wearing ginger beards in his honour. But he insists the new-found fame won’t change him and that golf ’s his priority.

“The more I’ve been myself, the more comfortable I’ve felt out on the course,” he said. “The more I’ve just had fun and been me, the better I’ve played.

“I love the support and I love trying to give back my time. I actually had a big learning curve yesterday when I played a few holes but was signing so much on the course when I should have waited till after. But it was the first real time where I’ve had that much attention. That was crazy.

“It’s just a thing of trying to get the right timing to spend time with all the fans, because I love it. I absolutely love it. And it means so much to me.

“But as I’ve said before, it’s all about the golf.”