Six from 2016: Beef golf moments
Beef golf moments of 2016
Let’s take a look back at the incredible Beef golf moments from the 2016 season as the European Tour’s true showman, Andrew Johnston, had a year to remember.
The Englishman’s charisma and performances over the past year have given fans plenty to laugh and cheer about, whilst his unbelievable results have pleased their appetite and started the new phenomenon of ‘Beefmania’ at every tournament he sets foot in.
It’s not an easy task to select six blockbuster highlights of Johnston’s season, but enjoy this trip down memory lane..
Johnston triumphs in Spain
There have been many moments from ‘BEEF’ that has put him in the spotlight, but his maiden European Tour victory at the Spanish Open propelled his career on the worlds stage.
This victory was by no means a walk in the park, Johnston can take great pleasure in the fact he became champion on one of the Tour’s hardest courses, Valderrama.
The Englishman also had to fend off the tournaments host and national hero, Sergio Garcia, who made a final day charge up the leader-board.
Johnston dropped a shot on the first but dug deep to then pick up shots on the seventh and eighth holes, nearly making eagle on the par-5 and finally adding birdies on the sixteenth, Valderrama’s toughest holes, and the eighteenth.
In the end he carding a final round of 70 ‘BEEF’ to take a one shot victory over Joost Luiten, becoming the ninth Englishman to triumph at the Open de Espana.
Getting hammered with @BeefGolf pic.twitter.com/JWNnIg6ant
— #GCW (@gcw) April 22, 2016
Yes it’s clear to see that ‘BEEF’ was true to his word and enjoyed his celebrations.
Became the people’s champion at The Open
Andrew Johnston did not win this years Open Championship (sadly), but he did achieve star status with his heroic play and no holding-back approach to tricky condition faced at Royal Troon.
The 27-year-old played his way into the penultimate pairing on Sunday after rounds of 69,69 and 70, but became undone on the final day shooting a round of 73, two over, to finish in solo 8th place. A massive result for ‘BEEF’ and the golfing world.
Beef golf moments of 2016
On every single hole, no matter whether he made a birdie or bogey the crowds chanted his names throughout the entire tournament. Leading their new hero to say;
“There was a better score to be had, but I gave it my best and that’s what I come off with, so no regrets,”
“I’ll definitely be having a beer tonight.”
Well deserved ‘BEEF’.
Secured his PGA TOUR 2016/17 Tour Card
‘BEEF’ did it the hard way but after a solid showing in the first Web.com Tour playoffs, he eventually secured his 2016/17 PGA Tour playing rights at the Boise Open over the weekend with a top five finish.
He will commit his play to both the European Tour and the European Tour which is just fantastic news for fans in all parts of the world, as Johnston loves playing golf and we love watching him play golf.
‘BEEF’ stormed ahead and took the 36-hole lead at Hillcrest Country Club with opening with rounds of 66 and 63. A disappointing weekend saw him shoot rounds of 70 and 68, which was good enough for a fourth-place finish.
Now down to the important details, how did the celebrations go? It will come as no surprise but ‘BEEF’ celebrated in style once again.
“A few sodas! Yeah, I think there will be a Coke or a Fanta or something like that. Nah, there are going to be a few beers, man.”
Beef earned his PGA TOUR card on National Cheeseburger Day. ?
Never a doubt. pic.twitter.com/S6sCbj1d1i
— Web.com Tour (@WebDotComTour) September 19, 2016
What makes this story even better? He only went and won his Tour card on National Cheeseburger Day… Of course!
One cool sponsorship deal with Arby’s
There is no question that people love ‘BEEF’ for numerous reasons, including his clear talent in the sport and how fun he makes the game, but one clear reason is down to how relatable he is to everyday golfers! Nothing shows this more than the fun he had with his latest sponsorship deal, Arby’s.
The sponsorship deal with the quick-service sandwich chain Arby’s, will mean the Englishman will have the restaurant’s name on both his cap and shirt.
TV adverts were shot, promoting the company saying, “they had the Beef”, which were first aired during the Ryder Cup. Here’s our favourite out of the ones which were broadcast.
They’re right about one thing… ‘BEEF’ makes everything better.
Striking is his middle name
When ‘BEEF’ was just starting to surface on the European Tour it was down to one shot at the BMW PGA Championship and one unforgettable celebration.
Relive Andrew Johnston's amazing hole in one and chest-bump. #BMWPGA http://t.co/3Ocmk3Y1nJ
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 21, 2015
This shot, apart from seeing him take home the keys to a brand new BMW M4 and celebrate with a true ‘BEEF’ chest-bump, shows the true skill of his game which he has replicated this season once again.
Johnston is right up with the leaders for ‘greens in regulation’, hitting 13.1 on average a round and a total of 997 in 2016 alone. Similarly he records an average stroke average of 71.28 a round after 89 tournament rounds this season…
It’s scenes like this hole-out eagle, at the Scottish Open, that we know ‘BEEF’ will be replicating next season for sure.
He loves the fans and the fans adore him
If you see ‘BEEF’ on the course, he’ll either be doing one of three things; playing or practicing on the course, enjoying a refreshing beverage or signing autographs and taking selfies for fans.
Whilst it is the case for some tour pros to always stay in the ‘zone’ and deal with fans at appropriate times, ‘BEEF’ is one of the guys on tour who makes time for everyone, all the time, before and after the round.
When there is so much pressure on different tours and players in the modern day to grow the game, it’s the efforts and time spent with fans that inspire younger generations to take up the game and support tournaments time and time again.
“It’s wicked. It makes me so happy. It’s sport. It’s supposed to be fun. I just want everyone to come out and have a good time.”
It's freezing cold but this man is hanging around doing pics with everyone… pic.twitter.com/GtREjhQaBa
— #GCW (@gcw) October 11, 2016
‘BEEF’ just can’t get enough of his fans!
Is there something that you think we have missed about BEEF? Get involved and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
