English golfer Andrew "Beef" Johnston has "signed a sponsorship deal" with Arby's that will begin with this week's PGA Championship at Baltusrol, according to Luke Kerr-Dineen of USA TODAY. Johnston, who finished 8th at the British Open earlier this month, "will sport an Arby’s logo on the right side of his shirt and on the back of his hat." He "visited the company’s inaugural New York City location in Times Square on Saturday," where he got behind the counter and served food to some customers. The deal is a "rare foray from Arby’s into the business of sponsoring professional athletes" (USATODAY.com, 7/24). Golf Channel’s Lauren Thompson said the pairing is “possibly the most suitable endorsement deal ever.” Thompson noted Johnston was "not just wearing the logos" this weekend, he was "serving things up there, just showing how serious he was taking this role” (“Morning Drive,” Golf Channel, 7/25). Arby's does have deals with six pro teams -- the Broncos, Browns, Jazz, Pacers, Pirates and Real Salt Lake -- as well as various minor leagues and colleges. Johnston has other endorsements with Titlelist, FootJoy, Credential Partners Int'l and RedRay (THE DAILY).
