Andrew “Beef” Johnston is finally ready to return to competitive golf after a 14-month absence, confirming he will tee it up at next month’s Australian PGA Championship — his first DP World Tour start since undergoing major hand surgery.
The fan-favorite Englishman, known for his infectious personality and trademark beard, last played at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth before a persistent hand injury forced him to the sidelines. Johnston was later diagnosed with a torn ligament and tendon damage in his thumb, requiring complex surgery in Perth, Australia.
Now 36, Johnston has been steadily rebuilding his fitness and form in Western Australia, splitting practice sessions across Mt Lawley, Sea View, and The Western Australian Golf Club. With his recovery progressing well, he says he’s eager to get back into the mix when he returns at Royal Queensland from November 27–30.
“It’s been a long road, but I’m feeling good and excited to get going again,” Johnston told Australian Golf Digest. “We’ve fallen in love with Perth and the lifestyle here. I’ve been practicing a lot, and I can’t wait to get back competing. These are big events — I’m not going there just to make up the numbers.”
Following the Australian PGA, Johnston plans to head to Royal Melbourne for the Australian Open, joining a star-studded field that includes Rory McIlroy. The event offers an added incentive this year — the champion will earn an invitation to The Masters in April, along with three qualifying spots for The Open at Royal Birkdale.
For Johnston, the thought of adding his name to the storied list of Australian Open champions is a powerful motivator. “It would be massive,” he said. “The history behind that event, the legends who’ve won it — Nicklaus, Player, Norman — it would be an absolute dream to lift that trophy.”
After over a year away from competition, golf’s much-loved “Beef” is back — and he’s hungry to make his mark once again.
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