Mark Johnson-Professional Golfer

Mark William "Beer Man" Johnson 

 

Mark Johnson was born in Barstow, Ca on May 22,1954 to Lefty and Jackie Johnson. 

Mark attended Thompson Elementary School. While attending Barstow High School he met Carl Edwards, his favorite teacher and golf coach. "Mr. Edwards not only taught me about golf, he was my life coach without me knowing". In 1972 Mark became the first individual in Barstow history to win a CIF High School individual championship. His favorite class in high school was P.E.

He decided to forgo college and turned pro directly out of high school in 1972; he played on mini-tours around Southern California for two years, a decision which he regrets.Unable to support himself financially, Johnson regained his amateur status and for the next 18 years earned a living driving a Budweiser truck while continuing to hone his skills in amateur tournaments. (Source Wikipedia)

In 1998, at the age of 45, Johnson parked his beer truck and regained his professional status. With the sponsorship of his long-time employer, H Olson Distributing of Barstow, and a handful of local businessmen, Johnson played two years on the Canadian Tour and a year on the Nationwide Tour to prepare for the Champions Tour, which he joined after reaching the age of 50 in May 2004..

The same year Mark won the Qualifying School at the King and the Bear in Jacksonville, FL.
In 2004 Johnson won the final stage of Q-School to retain the 2005 playing privileges and won his 5th start in 2005

Johnson won his first Champions Tour event at the 2005 Toshiba Senior Classic in his 14th start. He won in spectacular fashion holing out an 89-yard wedge shot for an eagle at the 510 yard par-5 18th hole.

The Cinderella stories of guys like Mark Johnson, aka Beerman, give hope to men everywhere with dreams of making it on the Senior — ahem, Champions — Tour. CreditJeff Mermelstein for The New York Times (article)

                  

Mark had 2 mentors that he gives credit for his success, Larry Babica and Dave Stockton. While Mark was an amateur Larry Babica, friend, teacher and one of the best people he ever met. He believed  in his abilities more than Mark. "He knew more about my golf swing then I did".

Dave Stockton, a professional golfer showed Mark the ropes of golfing. His knowledge and mentor-ship gave Mark insight of what to expect after countless hours of practice on the golf course in which he would play the next tournament. "He helped me reach my dream by competing with the best players in the world".

The best advise he can give to high school students is to "Never give up and chase your dreams. Don't let anyone say you can't do it". -Mark Johnson

His favorite quote is; "I have to believe in myself, I know what I can do, what I can achieve". -Sergio Garcia

Johnson's status as a former beer truck driver has earned him somewhat of a cult following from Champions Tour galleries. It is not uncommon to hear someone shout, "Way to Go Beer Man" during rounds. Johnson embraces the Beer Man persona.

He lives in Helendale, California. He has 2 adult children Ryan and Heather. Mark is engaged to Beth Andrew-Lendway.

Mark Johnson makes Top 4 in the Top 10 shots on the Champion Tour. (3 minutes, 55 seconds)

Highlights and accomplishments

• In 2004 Johnson won the final stage of Q-School
• Winning the 2005 Toshiba Classic
• Runner-up 2006 Toshiba Classic
• Winning the California State Amateur Championship in 1996
• Most victories in Southern California Golf Association in the last 101 years.