Kristian Krogh Johannessen is targeting a different outcome when he returns to the D+D REAL Czech Challenge this week.
The Norwegian missed out on a debut European Challenge Tour victory 12 months ago when Santiago Tarrio triumphed in a four hole play-off at Golf & Spa Kunětická Hora.
Johannessen lined up alongside Julian Brun and Tarrio, and only the Spaniard’s birdie at the fourth extra hole could separate the trio. This time around the 27-year-old is looking for a better break from the golfing gods.
“I hope so. I really hope so,” said Johannessen. “I need four good rounds and I need to hit the ball well from the tee and putt well to be in contention. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping I’ll be able to do that this week.
“I played very solid golf that week and it was only on Sunday that I didn’t play that well. I felt like I had control of my game through the week.
“This year is a bit different because I haven’t played as well leading up to this event, but it feels good to have good memories here and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Johannessen suffered a pre-season injury but has battled on to make four cuts in six Road to Mallorca events this year. With his injury behind him and a return to a venue he knows well this week, he believes he is in a good place.
“I haven’t played my best yet as I’ve had a bit of an injury during the winter period, so I wasn’t able to practice as much as I wanted to. But I’m getting into my golf again now and I’m looking forward to this week.
“I played well here last year. This year the rough on the course is a bit lower and the greens are a bit softer, so I think we will see low scoring this week.”
The D+D REAL Czech Challenge action gets under way on Thursday June 2 at Golf & Spa Kunětická Hora.
