Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston has seen the sights of Perth and met some of the locals ahead of his ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth debut at Lake Karrinyup Country Club this week.
Beef, together with American Sean Crocker and star West Aussie amateur Min Woo Lee were given a segway tour courtesy of Segway Tours WA through the beautiful Kings Park.
“Yeah first time, I was nervous at the start. I got on and I was going back and forth, back and forth and I thought I was going to fall off the front and fall off the back but after about 10 minutes I got used to it and it’s good fun,” said Beef, who also got up close and personal with Karen the koala after the tour.
“That was so cool. I’ve always wanted to do that and to be able to hold it and say hello to Karen was wicked and I am a big animal lover, so it’s been a really cool day.”
Beef’s last visit to the host venue of the World Super 6 Perth came in 2016 and yielded a top-20 finish. The popular Englishman said the layout is one of his favourites and had high praise for the condition of the course this week.
“I just love the condition of it. The greens are always really good here and the condition of it. And it just seems to sort of suit my eye, so I feel like I can play well around here.
“It’s a different format which I think I’m going to enjoy. I think it’s something a bit different. I’m looking forward to playing and I just love being in Perth, I like everything about it; the beaches, the food and the stuff you can do.”
Known for his interaction with the fans and larrikin nature, Beef is sure to be hit when round one gets underway this Thursday.
“I’ve always had fun with them (the crowd) when I’ve been back and I’ve had so many nice messages the last sort of day or so, so I think it’s going to be good fun, we can have good banter with everyone.”
Local amateur Lee has the advantage of course knowledge behind him having played the Australian Amateur Championship at Lake Karrinyup in January. While he unfortunately made a premature exit to the tournament in the second round of matchplay, Lee said the experience was invaluable as he prepares for one of the biggest tournaments of his career.
“It’s a great course, I think it’s ranked No.1 in WA and definitely up there as one of the best in Australia,” said Lee, who arrived in Perth yesterday after the Oates Vic Open at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links.
“It’s a long course if the wind gets up and it can play pretty tough with the rough. The greens are pretty undulating so it will be fun and a tough week. You’ve got to play good golf to win. So, yeah, definitely having matchplay experience not too long ago definitely helps. I’m a pretty aggressive golfer so hopefully I can keep keep playing aggressive and good golf.”
Crocker returns to Australia with good memories having recorded a top-10 finish in last year’s Australian PGA Championship.
“My agent was making a joke that when I come over to Asia and Australia I play better, so hopefully it works that way,” said Crocker, who got his first look at Lake Karrinyup today.
“It’s a beautiful course, it looks like it’s in great condition and looks like it’s very scoreable. You’ve got to play well for three days to get in the matchplay but it should be a fun week.”
