Life in a golfing bubble is not for me, admits Johnston

FOR most players at the Betfred British Masters, the sheer joy of resuming what they do for a living means they are happy to put up with all the necessary restrictions on how they normally go about their work. But life in a claustrophobic tournament bubble is definitely not for everyone. It is the reason staff at the European Tour had specific training on mental health and well-being in the build-up to the UK Swing. Yesterday, sadly, came news of the first player in need of counsel. Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston was in two minds over whether to make the five-hour drive to play at Close House this week. The closer it got to deadline, the more agitated he became. The Londoner earned himself an audience of millions with his marvellous play in 2016 and captivating backstory — but 12 months ago he revealed the price he paid, as he spoke movingly and unsparingly about his descent into depression. Thankfully, he made it to the other side.

He discussed the joy of getting married and becoming a father. But the wretched legacy of Covid-19 has brought back uncomfortable memories. Nine holes yesterday proved enough before he withdrew and drove home, and it might be the other side of the pandemic before he is seen again. ‘I’d been on-off about playing, and now I’m not going to play for months,’ said the 31-year-old. ‘Being confined to the hotel and confined to the golf course, not being able to bring my family, is ultimately not what I want at this moment and not how I want to live my life. ‘The golden rule for me now is that if I’m not happy, I’m not playing.’ Fellow Englishman Dale Whitnell delivered a 64 to be just a stroke behind the leader, Italian Renato Paratore. South Africa’s Justin Harding fired a brilliant 63, the lowest round of the week so far, to sit alongside Whitnell on 10 under, with Scottish duo David Law and Calum Hill, plus Ashley Chesters and Rasmus Hojgaard, a stroke further back.