Norfolk golfer Luke Johnson aiming to take his game to next level

The 25-year-old Norfolk professional is looking forward to the new campaign with relish after finishing 25th in the Europro Tour's Order of Merit last season, while also making the cut in a couple of Challenge Tour events.

'Overall I was pleased with the way it went in 2017, even though I didn't manage a win,' he said. 'I got myself into some good positions and finished in the top 10 in half the events I played in.

'I also showed I could battle away when things were not going well. When I look back on the season I think one of my best achievements came at East Sussex in August when I played poorly in the first round and was 140th or something like that but then shot 67 and 68 to end up just outside the top 20.

'I learnt a lot about myself as a golfer and now it's a case of working hard over the winter, spending some time with my coach Graham Walker and being ready when the new season gets under way.'

Johnson will be again be playing on the third tier of European golf, but has his sights set higher following a brief taste of the Challenge Tour in 2017.

He could hardly have got off to a better start at the Prague Challenge in July, with rounds of 69 and 67 leaving him well placed to go for a win. He fell away over the weekend to finish tied 69th but there were plenty of positives to take from the event and he went on to finish tied 48th in the Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley after missing the cut at Luton Hoo.

'I feel I can compete at that level but it's about getting into the tournaments,' he said. 'I am hoping to play one or two events in Egypt where Challenge Tour invitations will be up for grabs. There's also a chance of moving up if you do well on the Europro Tour so that is my target.'

Johnson made just under £10,000 last season but his costs were considerably higher and he remains grateful to sponsors and to his home club, King's Lynn, for providing free use of their facilities – visit www.lukejohnsongolf.com