What Happens in Turkey...
Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston tells all-time story about trying (and failing) to out-drink John Daly in Turkey
One of the low-key best golf stories of the year has been the revival of Andrew Johnston. Following a thumb injury that robbed him of much of 2021 and 2022, the artist formerly known as Beef had fallen to 1,932nd in the world by late 2023. Finally healthy and boasting a new appreciation for the game of golf, however, Johnston turned in a solid 2024, playing 12 events, including a third-place finish at Omega European Masters, as he climbed back up to 378th in the OWGR rankings.
Beef’s revival has been good news for golf fans as well. Once one of the most jovial, relatable characters on tour, the Englishman seemingly hasn’t missed a beat as an entertainer. Beef sat down with the "Life on Tour" podcast on Tuesday to discuss not only his physical and mental health struggles over the past few years, but also some of the wildest partying stories you’ll ever hear, including one hilarious tale about trying to keep up with John Daly in Turkey. Buckle up and check it out.
Beef whet the whistle earlier in the episode as he told the story of a particularly crazy night partying with the Home Internationals that ended with an accidental break-in and an irate coach, but he saves the best for last. That’s when he unspools an incredible yarn about drinking with Daly at the Turkish Airlines Open a few years back.
According to Beef, it began innocently enough after the final round that Sunday. With players mostly confined to the course and accommodations while in Turkey, Johnston and Daly met up for a beer, which quickly became a bucket, which quickly became highballs full to the top with straight whiskey.
“He [John Daly] orders like two large whiskies … he’s got a can of Coke on the side,” Johnston recalls. “As the waiter put them down, he went ‘can we order two more?’ I was like ‘MATE, THEY’VE JUST COME!’
Next thing, I’m in just my pants and I’m shaking a tree and I’m jumping in the pool. I’m like ‘he [Daly] seems OK, I’m not!’"
Vaughn Ridley
When Johnston woke up the following morning, his first question was “what happened?” His second was “what did John do?” According to eyewitness accounts, he simply walked to his room.
Moral of the story: Under absolutely no circumstances should you try to out-JD JD. You’ll end up half naked in the pool while he’s getting a good night’s sleep in his room. Beef learned this lesson the hard way, but from the sound of things he did learn the lesson, and that can only be a sign of good things to come.