Andrew Johnston talks to us about his aims for 2012, Arsenal FC and playing with Tom Watson at Sandwich.
Ahead of this week's Sicilian Open, Andrew Johnston talks to us about his aims for 2012, Arsenal FC and playing with Tom Watson at Sandwich
Sky Sports: Andrew, let's talk about your career so far, when did you start the game and what was your amateur career like?
Andrew Johnston: I started playing golf when I was four with my Dad who took me to the local nine hole course and the playing fields to hit balls. I joined North Middlesex when I was nine and played my first 18 hole competition when I was about 10. I started playing for the county when I was 14 and I got down to scratch when I was 16. I played in the England boys under 16 and 18's which I loved as they were matchplay events and the team format was really good. I played in the Jacques Leglise trophy for GB which we won in 2007. I got to the final of the European boys in Denmark with England losing to the hosts Denmark in 2007. I did not get to play at men's level as I was not good enough back then but I knew I wanted to make my career in golf so I started working really hard to improve and I eventually got my handicap to plus 3 when I was 19. I then turned pro in May 2009.
Sky Sports: You played some of the Mini tours around England before establishing yourself on the Europro Tour in 2010 with 3 top 5 and 6 top 20 finishes. How did that Tour help your game in 2010?
Andrew Johnston: I started on the Jamega Tour in 2009 and won my first professional tournament that year at The Warwickshire. I then played a couple of Europro events at the back of the 2009 season and continued to play a couple of Jamega events, 9 Europro events and five Challenge Tour events in 2010. Each of the tours provided vital experience which proved invaluable in 2011, for example getting used to the cameras at the Europro events. Each tour is like a stepping stone and I learned to take my game to the next level throughout the 2010 season.
Sky Sports: You got your break in the 2011 Kartnen Golf Open in Austria where weekend 66's shot you into 3rd position. Was it then that you realised a European Tour card was on the horizon?
Andrew Johnston: The plan at the start of the year was to be ready to take advantage of any Challenge Tour invites. I was at the Europro event at Burhill playing in the pro-am when the call came through that I was in the event in Austria on the Tuesday so it was a mad dash to the airport on the Wednesday. Finishing 3rd in Austria got me into the next event and it gave me the confidence and belief that I could compete on the Challenge Tour but thoughts of a European Tour card were not even in my head but I was thinking about getting my full Challenge Tour card and I knew I had to keep playing well to do that.
Sky Sports: A further 6 top 25 finishes, rounding off with a 3rd place in the Grand Finale in Italy, earned you the 15th European Tour card in an amazing 10 events played. Did you expect success to come so quickly?
Andrew Johnston: Not really as the plan was to get my Challenge Tour card but after the 2nd place finish in Russia my manager Shaun and I worked out that a full European Tour card was a possibility. We knew a top 5 at the Grand Final might be enough to get my card but I just concentrated on practising and preparing to play as good as I could in Italy and if it worked out it was a bonus. The dream became a reality with the 3rd place finish and I really started thinking about it after the 3rd round so I was pretty excited and did not sleep much on the Friday night. I was about as nervous as I ever want to be teeing it up on the Saturday morning in the final group with Tommy Fleetwood and Andrea Pavan. Thankfully it all worked out and I got the chance to live my dream in 2012.
Sky Sports: You came through local and regional qualifying to land a spot in last year's Open Championship at Sandwich. Although you missed the cut, that must have been one of the weeks of your life?
Andrew Johnston: It was and I have so many cherished memories from that experience. The highlight of my week was playing 18 holes with Tom Watson on the Monday. I learnt so much just watching how he went about his business and he was a really friendly and nice guy. To play in front of crowds that big was amazing and the whole atmosphere that week makes me want to get back there and play in as many Open Championships as possible.
Sky Sports: You're a massive Gooner! What's your opinion on Arsene Wenger and the current Arsenal team? Surely they have to win a trophy sooner or later?
Andrew Johnston: I love my Arsenal and I think Wenger has been a great manager and still is the right manager. I think the problems at Arsenal are in the boardroom and I hope they can start investing in the team. We need someone like David Dein to take the club forward and give Wenger the support he needs to build another championship winning side.
Sky Sports: Who are your best buddies on tour?
Andrew Johnston: I've known Tommy Fleetwood since our amateur days and I always enjoy catching up with him. I always have a good laugh and chat with Matt Southgate, Chris Doak and Craig Lee as well. I generally get on with everyone and I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know the guys on the main tour this year.
Sky Sports: What's in your bag and what is your favourite club?
Andrew Johnston: I have become a full staff player for Titleist this year and I have just got a new full set of Titleist clubs in the bag, I have the MB wedge to 5 iron and CB 3 & 4 irons, I use the 58 and 54 Vokey SM4's and the 910 D3 Driver and 910F 3 wood and hybrid club. I use the Scotty Cameron California Monterey putter and proV1 ball. My favourite club is my 58 wedge as I love hitting it really close and I can play a variety of shots with it.
Sky Sports: With you European tour card in the bag for 2012, what are your goals for the forthcoming year?
Andrew Johnston: My main priority is to retain my card in 2012 and enjoy the experience of travelling and playing the best courses in Europe. Also, I would love to play in the Open Championship at Royal Lytham this year.
Sky Sports: Can our readers follow your progress on Twitter?
Andrew Johnston: Yes @beef_01 and I also have my own website www.andrewjohnstongolf.com which will keep your readers up to date throughout the year. You can also check on my progress at my management company's website www.redgolf.co.uk
Sky Sports: Thanks Andrew and good luck this year.
* Andrew Johnston was speaking to John Rhodes.
