The legend of Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston grows at The Open

“Where’s the Beef?” was the mid-‘80s version of “WTF?” and while Open Championship spectators have no trouble finding today’s “Beef,” newbies to the cult figure who is Andrew Johnston may be unfamiliar with the Royal Troon phenomenon.

The guy with the lumberman’s beard and Pillsbury Doughboy build began the final round of his second Open in fourth place, seven shots back of frontrunner Henrik Stenson and in the penultimate group with Bill Haas. Johnston’s 69-69-70 start to his second Open appearance was certainly impressive, but it’s his ever-present smile and nature that has fans shouting “Beeeeeeef!” across the Scottish links.

For sure, no one in the field this week has had more fun than the 27-year-old Englishman.

Johnston earned his nickname as a kid and has cultivated it with such stunts as a photo shoot during the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational where he posed with and teed up a hamburger.

He even has a wedge stamped with nine cuts of cow (you were expecting bacon?).

Johnston became a Twitter sensation after capturing his first European Tour win at the Spanish Open in April and promptly vowing to “get hammered” in celebration.

The Brit certainly endeared himself to U.S. fans when he went all in on Pittsburgh sports teams during the U.S. Open at Oakmont.

So while most eyes on Sunday’s finale will be on the Phil Mickelson-Henrik Stenson shootout, Beef Johnston — who birdied two of his first three holes on Sunday, much to the delight of the Troon faithful — will certainly be entertaining to watch.