Andrew “Beef” Johnston reveals latest injury setback
KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA - 30.05.2026 Andrew JOHNSTON ENG of Austrian Alpine Open 2025 at Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith on May 30, 2026 in Austria.
KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA - 30.05.2026 Andrew JOHNSTON ENG of Austrian Alpine Open 2025 at Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith on May 30, 2026 in Austria.
Andrew "Beef" Johnston's comeback has stalled again. Just when he was looking to keep his thumb injury behind him, a fresh back injury has popped up out of nowhere. As a result, the Englishman has decided to step back.
Following his appearance at the KLM Open in the Netherlands, Johnston started facing issues with his back. The 37-year-old will now be sidelined again, and that has taken a mental toll on him.
“To say I’m deflated is an understatement. I’d been feeling really good physically and was loving being back out competing again,” Johnston wrote in his Instagram post. “So this setback has been tough to take and has affected me mentally as well.”
KITZBUEHEL, AUSTRIA - MAY 28: Caddy and JOHNSTON, Andrew ENG, back at the Austrian Alpine Open presented by Kitzbuehel Tirol, DP World TOUR, Round 1 on May 28, 2026 in Kitzbuehel, Austria.DP World Tour Austrian Alpine Open, Kitzbuehel, 28.05.2026 Tirol Austria Copyright: xPhotographer:xNilsxKoepkex
KITZBUEHEL, AUSTRIA - MAY 28: Caddy and JOHNSTON, Andrew ENG, back at the Austrian Alpine Open presented by Kitzbuehel Tirol, DP World TOUR, Round 1 on May 28, 2026 in Kitzbuehel, Austria.DP World Tour Austrian Alpine Open, Kitzbuehel, 28.05.2026 Tirol Austria Copyright: xPhotographer:xNilsxKoepkex
Earlier, a long battle with thumb injuries had limited him to a few appearances in the last three years. This latest setback could prove even more detrimental to his career.
Taking these aspects into consideration, Johnston has now decided to take a step back. He's prioritizing recovery and mental health.
“For now, I’ve decided to take a step back from competitive golf — firstly to give my body the time and consistency it needs to rehab properly,” Johnston added in his Instagram post. “And secondly to give myself a bit of space from it all.”
Johnston had also been open about his thumb injury.
The Thumb Injury That Changed Everything
Thumb injuries devastate a golfer's grip and swing mechanics. Johnston suffered that, plus the misdiagnosis.
“I have a complete ligament tear and a partial tear in two tendons. Unfortunately, due to a series of misdiagnoses, it’s taken months to find out,” said Johnston last year, as per Today's Golfer.
Johnston travelled to Singapore to get a better understanding of his injury. Upon seeing the MRI scan results, the Englishman came to know that he had been misdiagnosed.
Despite the setback, the 37-year-old was looking forward to a healthy 2026 season.
I had a really low period. I’ve got quite lost during these injuries with so much time off and not having answers for so long,” Johnston said. "Much as it breaks my heart, I’m planning for next season.”
However, things haven’t gone his way. The recent back injury has again dismantled his momentum.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Rudra Dubey