Scottish golfer's 'crazy' dash to South Africa wasn't a waste of time

It was confirmation that he’d secured a spot in this week’s Jonsson Workwear Durban Open, the final leg of the HotelPlanner Tour’s South African swing, and the 33-year-old is determined to grab his welcome opportunity.

After securing a card for the second-tier circuit along with Rory Franssen through the Tartan Pro Tour last season, Johnston has had to wait patiently for a first outing in 2026 and the three-time HotelPlanner Tour winner is eager to get going.

“It’s been a crazy couple of days,” admitted Johnston of joining Franssen, as well as Calum Fyfe, Sam Locke, Marc Warren and Ryan Lumsden in this week’s line up at Durban Country Club.

‘It was all worthwhile’

“I was at home on Monday morning unsure whether I was going to travel or not. I decided I’d go and found out when I landed in Johannesburg that I was in, so it was all worthwhile.

“I love this place; it’s a great golf course. You need to manage shots into greens as there are a lot of fall-off areas. I’m really looking forward to the challenge this week.”

Boosted by his performances on the Tartan Pro Tour last season, Johnston is quietly confident that he can get back to winning ways on the HotelPlannerTour, having recorded then most recent of his title triumphs in the 2022 Empordà Challenge.

“Honestly, I believe my game is better [than 2022],” he insisted. “I always knew when I get the ball in play the rest of my game stands up nicely. But, if you don’t do that enough during a week, it doesn’t matter where the rest of your game is.

‘My game is better more often now’

“I think I had three wins on the HotelPlanner Tour, but they were my only top tens, I was good at getting across the line. But looking at the Tartan Pro Tour last year I had as many top tens as I didn’t, which was really pleasing. I feel like my game is better more often now.”

Johnston is part of a strong field this week, with the line up being headed by former Genesis Scottish Open champion Brandon Stone.