Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston, one of the most popular players to emerge on the professional tournament circuit in recent years, has written a book that charts the highs and lows, and everything between, of his eventful career to date.
In ‘Golf is Hard’, which is published today (June 6), the 35-year-old Londoner, who turned pro in 2009, reveals the ups and downs of a life playing the world’s most infuriating sport.
From reflecting on his early years at his local pitch ‘n’ putt in north London, to his 15-year career playing against the best of the best on the greatest courses on the planet, the 320-page book takes you inside the world of professional golf, sharing funny and often painfully honest stories of life behind the scenes as a tour pro.
What is Tiger Woods really like in the locker room? How did it feel to hit one of the worst shots in golf history in front of millions of viewers during The Open? And just how many clubs has he broken through fits of rage and frustration during his illustrious career?
Johnston, who won the Spanish Open in 2016, and has played in the world’s biggest tournaments, sunk monster putts, and been serenaded by fans from Kazakhstan to St Andrews, booming out his familiar nickname: ‘BEEEEEEEEF!’
Says Johnston: ‘Even professional golfers hit bad shots. I guess that’s why it holds people like you and I in its grip. Because no matter how bad a day you’ve had out there, you always come back, don’t you? You always want to be better next time’.
Golf is Hard is published by Harper Collins and is available from all good bookshops, priced £22 in hardback.