Donde Esta... The Beef

Golf through the ages has been full of colourful, charismatic golfers. When you think about some of these characters you think of golfers by the name of swashbuckler Chi Chi Rodriguez, the feisty and fiery Seve, the Loudmouth Golf wearing blonde flowing mullet of John Daly, and it's hard these days not to mention charisma without thinking of "our" late King... Mr. Arnold Palmer #ArniesArmy.

Photo Credit: pgatour.com

There were some pundits at one point this summer that said the game of golf was dying and I have my own theories as to why that might be. There are the obvious reasons like slow play (I don't have time for a 6 hr round) and even though there's a batch of young guns like Jordan, Rickie, Rory and the newly anointed Bryson DeChambeau the demographics of the game has changed. Tiger's effect on the game was felt everywhere and if there is one effect that he had it was that he brought the game to the masses. Suddenly, golfers or aspiring golfers from all walks of life took up the game who otherwise wouldn't have. Gradually however we have seen the game sort of fizzle out like the afore-mentioned pundits stated. Ultimately, golf didn't have a golfer that most of the 18-45 year old men couldn't relate to. Not that they could relate to Tiger. John Daly has only been a shell of his former self for what seems like decades. For an outdoorsman like me it's nice to see Boo Weekley grinding out there on Tour. But his followers and effect on the game is definitely what I would classify as limited. Golf needs a new hero... a colourful charismatic golfer who will appeal to the masses. Where do we find that folk hero?

Photo Credit: sports.yahoo.com

Look in the air. It's a bird... no it's a plane no it's... Beef! "Where's the beef?" an elderly lady once asked for a fast food company in some advertisements and from where I stand... he might be in an Arby's restaurant as we speak. Andrew Johnston more commonly known in the golfing world as "Beef" and the guy with the gnarly beard has taken the golf world by storm. The 27 year old from London, England has gained an almost cult-like following like we haven't seen in years. Not since John Daly and Happy Gilmore have we seen a golfer seem larger than life. Why? The average blue-collar worker can relate to him. The golfer that doesn't have a house in the hills can relate to him. In a world (golf world) that can be viewed at times as elitist Beef is the kind of golfer that the game needs to help further grow the game of golf. He's friendly, seems understated and just seems like a guy that you could easily have a pint or 5 with. Kids get his autograph which is simply "Beef" with a smiley face and what the heck... the adults don't mind it as well. at the moment Beef sits currently 79th in the Official World Golf Rankings and when he finished 8th at The Open Championship Beef suddenly found himself on the radar amongst North American golf fans. It will be a great when the European Tour member plays a few stops on this side of the grand pond. Beef has fared well on the European Tour with a victory at the Open de Espana and a few other top-10 finishes.

Photo Credit: thescore.com

So the question is Donde esta Beef? Well before you know it pretty soon on a course near you. When he finally does come to North America I think you will see a burgeoning "Beef's Battalion". When he does win over here (and it will happen) you will see throngs of fans becoming endeared to him much like Daly in 1991. He's relatable, a proverbial "man of the people" and Beef is exactly what golf needs. I hope to run into you Beef because I for one would love a pint with you.

(Play in the Canadian Open our beer is fantastic)

Until The Next Tee!