English golfing cult hero Andrew "Beef" Johnston has revealed how a planned one-week trip to Western Australia turned into a transformative 10-month stay, putting his injury-plagued career back on track and capturing his family's heart.
From Misdiagnosis to a Perth Breakthrough
For much of the past five years, the charismatic former world No.74 has been battling persistent injuries. His fortunes changed, however, after arriving in Perth in March 2025 for surgery on his thumb. Johnston had been misdiagnosed in Europe in November 2024, only discovering he had two torn ligaments after consulting a specialist in Singapore.
"I didn't know where I was going to do the surgery," Johnston explained. Intending to show his wife and young child Rottnest Island, he decided to combine the trip with his search for a surgeon. A fortuitous Google search and a conversation with a local family at a playground both pointed him to the same expert: Perth-based Dr David Dyer. "I thought, 'Well that's a sign if ever there's been one'," Johnston said.
Embracing the WA Lifestyle During Rehabilitation
A week later, Dr Dyer repaired the damaged ligaments. With his initial recovery progressing better than expected, Johnston made a pivotal decision: to remain in Perth. He embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation program, soaking up the Western Australian lifestyle with his family while working his way back to full fitness.
"Everything was going so well in the first couple of months so I thought why am I going to change this," Johnston stated. His goal was to return for the Australian PGA and Australian Open events in late November and December, making Perth the ideal base. The family's temporary stay evolved into a deep affection for the city. "While we were here we just really fell in love with Perth and don't really want to go anywhere else," he admitted.
Back on Course and Reluctant to Leave
Now ranked No.775, Johnston believes his game is finally turning a corner. "This is the best it's been since the injury," he said, acknowledging the need for competitive rounds to find his rhythm. He retains full playing status on the DP World Tour and plans a competitive return in the coming weeks.
His immediate focus is this week's Webex Players Series event at Royal Fremantle Golf Club, hosted by Minjee and Min Woo Lee. The tournament marks another step in his comeback journey. As his departure looms, the pull of Perth remains strong. "It's going to be really hard to leave," Johnston confessed. "Even my little one is saying when are we coming back to Perth... I love the balance and the lifestyle."
