Kristian Krogh Johannessen tees it up at this week’s German Challenge powered by VcG looking to break into the promotion places for the first time this year after a promising string of results on the Road to Mallorca.
The Norwegian, who earned promotion from the HotelPlanner Tour in 2022, arrives at Wittelsbacher Golfclub in good form after a second-place finish at the English Open supported by HotelPlanner and tied for third at last week’s Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge, as he aims to return to the DP World Tour for the second time.
And having spent large parts of last year away from the course, the 31-year-old is ready to approach the remainder of the season in a relaxed frame of mind.
“For me this season it’s been about getting back to full fitness after being out with a wrist injury,” he said.
“A lot of things have happened at home too after having my first child and buying a house so to get back playing some good golf again is nice. I think I’m more relaxed when I’m out playing now.
“I don’t think I’m panicking on the range on a Wednesday like I did before. I’ve matured a bit after everything that has happened over the past couple of years. I’m able to stick to a plan a bit more which has given me some good results.”
After losing his card two years ago, the Norwegian was forced to sit out the 2025 season due to a severe wrist injury, with his comeback coming at May’s Italian Challenge Open.
Krogh Johannessen would make three of his first four cuts this year before coming within touching distance of his second HotelPlanner Tour victory at the English Open, where American John Catlin prevailed after a marathon seven-hole play-off.
Despite coming out of the wrong side of the result at The Vale Golf Club, the 31-year-old was proud of his best performance since 2022.
“I was quite pleased with that week” he added.
“John and I separated ourselves from the rest of the field and it was fun playing against him. It felt like it was a play-off from the back nine and in.
“I played really well the last four holes and John played solid and obviously in the play-off we were both so tired and John played better and deserved it.
“I’ve had a lot of different experiences on the DP World Tour from not being ready at all in 2019 to having a stressful end to the 2023 season. It’s obviously where I want to be on the DP World Tour and I think I’ll feel more ready if I play well enough this year.”
Krogh Johannessen has played Wittelsbacher Golfclub once previously at the 2022 edition of the German Challenge, where he ended the week inside the top ten following rounds of 70-71-69-69.
Now, looking to improve this time around, the 31-year-old believes an accurate driver could be crucial as he looks to punch his way into the promotion places.
“I really like this course, as long as I drive it a little bit better, I can really play well here,” he said.
“This course could suit me; I’ve just got to be patient. Driving will be key this week and it could be firm out here which makes being in position really important.”
Johannessen is part of a strong field at this week’s German Challenge powered by VcG including former European Ryder Cup star Chris Wood, Road to Mallorca Number Two Pablo Ereno and DP World Tour winner, Tom Lewis.
