'Beef' Johnston withdraws from PGA with sore shoulder

Charlotte - Britain's Andrew "Beef" Johnston withdrew from the PGA Championship on Thursday with a shoulder injury after firing a seven-over par-78 in the opening round at Quail Hollow.

The 28-year-old Englishman, whose bushy beard and jovial personality have made him a fan favorite, had five bogeys and two double bogeys against two birdies before pulling out of the year's final major championship.

Johnston, ranked 108th, took his lone European Tour title at the 2016 Spanish Open. His best showing this year on either the US or European circuits was a share of 10th at the Puerto Rico Open.

Johnston shared 60th last year at Baltusrol in his PGA Championship debut.