Beef dreaming of Ryder Cup spot

Andrew Johnston admits he was inspired by watching last week’s Ryder Cup at home on television.

‘Beef’ burst onto the scene by winning the Spanish Open earlier this year and after finishing eighth at the Open Championship, was mentioned as a potential candidate for one of European captain Darren Clarke’s wildcards.

Johnston himself talked down his chances and has instead been broadening his horizons, earning his PGA Tour card through the Web.com Tour Finals.

It means he has the chance to win money on both sides of Atlantic over the next 12 months but may look to return to Europe full-time once qualifying for the 2018 Ryder Cup in France begins.

Johnston admits he enjoyed watching last week’s action at Hazeltine and says earning a spot at Le Golf National is already on his mind. “I’d love to be there,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.

“Sitting there watching it, I was itching to be out there playing, so I would love to be there.”

The week sees the 27-year-old play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and he will be looking to hit the ground running following a recent bout of flu.

Johnston says he is now fighting fit and is ready to roll in Scotland. He added: “I’ve had a bit of flu but it’s nothing that bad.

I took it easy the last couple of days but I’m having a good practice now and looking forward to getting going.

The Englishman is 34.00 to win the event, with Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace and Thomas Pieters sharing the lead in the betting at 17.00.