© Golf Australia
Andrew Johnston feels like he is getting back to his best as he prepares to tee it up at the ISPS Handa Vic Open for the first time.
“I played well in Dubai. It's been a while since I felt like the Saturday when I shot seven under. Made quite a lot of changes swing-wise, so it's all real positive. I'm in a good place."
The man affectionately known as Beef is a big hit with golf fans in Australia and the feeling is mutual, with the Englishman happy to admit that he loves this part of the world - particularly after a top ten finish at the Australian PGA Championship in December.
It has been almost three years since the 29 year old recorded his maiden European Tour victory, but with a new coach and some tweaks to his swing, he feels like his game is in a good place once again as he arrives at scenic 13 th Beach Golf Club in Barwon Heads, south of Melbourne, after a positive week at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
“I feel like I'm close to getting back. I think it's been a funny couple of years for me. 2016 was great, I played some good golf. Then the last couple of years I haven't been happy with the way I've played. I have a new coach (Hugh Marr), and I find that's been working well and I don't think I'm that far away from playing some really good golf.
“It's a real good place for me and I enjoy it. I've been to Perth four or five times now and last year was the first time I headed over to the other side to Brisbane. Obviously now coming down here, it's great. I've always enjoyed coming to Australia.
“Last time I was lucky enough I managed to hole a good chip shot for birdie on the beach hole (at the 2018 Australian PGA Championship), which was great fun. I got the crowd going and that's stuff I like to do. I like to see people having a good time. So, it's nice - they give the love and hopefully I can produce some good golf and give the love back that way.”
The ISPS Handa Vic Open was first played in 1957 but appears on the Race to Dubai for the first time this season. It's a unique format in professional golf with men and women playing on the same courses at the same time, for equal prize money. The men's event is co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia, while the women's championship is co-sanctioned by Australian Ladies Professional Golf and the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
All rounds will be played in alternating men's and women's groups on the Beach Course and Creek Course at 13 th Beach Golf Club. A field of 156 men and 156 women will play one round on each of the first two days on both courses. There will be two cuts – after round two and round three – with all of the weekend action taking place on the Beach Course.
