Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston was never going to sit by and keep quiet.
Fan-favourite Johnston came in for criticism on talkSPORT over the weekend, with radio show host Mike Parry suggesting that the golfer was more clown than role model.
On his show, The Two Mikes, Parry branded Johnston “a grinning jabbernacker” who was damaging “the dignity of golf” after the world number 112 was announced by his nickname on the tee box at The Open.
A poll was opened on the show’s official Twitter account on Saturday morning which asked fans to vote on whether Johnston was in fact an inspiration to young golfers or a joke, as Parry suggested.
Is @BeefGolf an inspiration to young golfers or a clown as @mikeparry8 claims #TheOpen
— The Thought Police (@ThoughtPoliceXX) July 22, 2017
Later that afternoon, after Johnston had finished his third round at Royal Birkdale, the 28-year-old didn’t hold back with his response to the radio host.
If I'm a clown for enjoying my work then so be it. Ur a sad person and couldn't care less wat u think.
— Andrew 'Beef' Johnston (@BeefGolf) July 22, 2017
“If I’m a clown for enjoying my work then so be it,” Johnston replied. “Ur a sad person and couldn’t care less wat u think.”
A Twitter exchange got rather ugly as ‘Beef’ defended himself against the unprovoked attack.
Never been bout money. @mikeparry8 look at wat I'm doing trying to get into sports ur a dick head
— Andrew 'Beef' Johnston (@BeefGolf) July 22, 2017
Shouldn't u be cleaning out ur studio. Resign https://t.co/PovAEv5z6R
— Andrew 'Beef' Johnston (@BeefGolf) July 22, 2017
Where's the Beef? @BeefGolf seems to have got a bit upset at our poll even though he won it… https://t.co/EF5jcGebg0
— The Thought Police (@ThoughtPoliceXX) July 22, 2017
I have been called a bushy big teeth clown by u. U think I'm not gonna defend myself https://t.co/bUdEPJJaiV
— Andrew 'Beef' Johnston (@BeefGolf) July 22, 2017
Oh come off it BEEF .. you're a world famous sportsman .. chill out .. millions of people love you .. so do I .. https://t.co/VKxCLgJXSG
— Mike Parry (@mikeparry8) July 22, 2017
I give my absolute best on course and to people to make them have a great day and u call me that. I'm no clown it's out of order https://t.co/TTmpiXVO89
— Andrew 'Beef' Johnston (@BeefGolf) July 22, 2017
