The Grove, Watford, England …
‘Beef Mania’ is set to rule the British Masters over the weekend after spectator support helped carry Andrew Johnston into a share of second place at The Grove just north of London.
Johnston, or better known to his ever-increasing fan base as ‘Beef’, managed eight birdies in a score of a six-under par 65 to match the effort of playing partner Sweden’s Alex Noren atop of the board at 10-under par.
England’s Richard Bland birdied his closing two holes in a score of 64 to move to 11-under par as the 43-year old continues to strive for a maiden Tour win, and after posting three top-10s in his past five events.
Johnston’s effort included three birdies in succession near the end of his round while Noren, already a two-time winner this season, also birdied three holes in a row mid-round but spoilt enjoying a two shot lead in doubling the last when he played a poor drive and eventually three-putted.
Johnston, 27 was virtually little-known before capturing April’s Spanish Open but since then he’s gained enormous noteitry among fans of all ages, and with calls of ‘Beef, Beef, Beef’ wherever he goes.
Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston entertains the British media after his second round in the British Masters.
His fan base also has extended to the States as was evident in contesting this year’s U.S. Open, WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship.
And it’s been much the same hysteria this week and with Johnson delivering a clear message to his fans as he now targets a second Tour victory.
“Make some noise and what I want to hear is ‘Beef!’”, he said.
“I’m loving it; the fans have been amazing. So just keep it up because I’m loving it.”
Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston acknowledges the crowd after a round of 65 on day two of the British Masters. (Photo – European Tour)
And also out supporting Johnston is members of his beloved North Middlesex Golf Club along with many family members and friends.
“There’s quite a few members from my home course and a lot of friends and family, so it’s all good,” he said.
“And it’s like everyone who is supporting me, knows me. I have a good relationship with the crowds and I just have good time with them, so it’s nice. There’s all the kids coming up asking for pictures and asking me to sign stuff and it’s all nice and open.”
Among the items Johnston said he’s been asked to sign was a man’s forehead and a youngster’s apple.
“Some guy came up to me on Thursday night and asked me to sign his forehead so I put a big Beef across his forehead and took a picture. It was with a Sharpie (permanent felt pen), as well so I’m hoping it’s still on his head.
“And this young fellow asked me to sign his apple he was carrying. I said I couldn’t sign his apple as he had to eat it but he insisted.”
Noren, as a double Nordea Masters champion (2014, 15) in his native Sweden, is used to a strong home-town following, and is happy to go out in Saturday’s third round again with Johnston as his partner, to enjoy the occasion.
“Any London event always seems to draw a lot of spectators and Andrew is great to the crowd,” said Noren.
“He’s playing great golf but he’s also the nicest guy to the crowd I’ve ever seen. I can we can all learn from that.
“You need also confidence to be nice to the crowd and know that they are there for him. So it’s great and the crowd know golf very well and they are quiet when they need to be.”
Unfortunately, tournament host Luke Donald will be inside the ropes over the weekend in missing the level par cut with scores of 77 and 70 for a five over par tally.
“This was the first event I’ve played in over a month and I was just very, very rusty,” he said.
“I will be around and still very proud to be part of this and to be the host.”
