The Tanunda professional finished the tour in fine style with a birdie on the 18th hole of the year’s final event.

After flying out of Australia on April 20, Johnson played 13 events on the Canadian Tour and one mini-tour event in Palm Springs California.

“It has been a long year,” he admitted.

“I was faced with schedule changes, the swine flu in Mexico, and off-course problems to deal with while being on the road.”

But Johnson has retained his playing rights for the 2010 Canadian Tour and has plans for his best assault yet.

“I dug deep and made the final two cuts of the season moving me up the rankings to be safe for next year’s playing rights status on the Canadian Tour,” he said.

With plans to play a few events on the Australasian Tour over the summer, Johnson wants to relax and develop his game for a full-on Canadian attack next year.

“I am going to set up residence in British Columbia, next season,” he revealed.

“Having spent 20 months away from ‘home base’ in the last three years has been tough.”

With a semi permanent base the limping suitcase will get a rest.

Johnson is upbeat about his 2010 prospects.

“Results-wise, it hasn’t been my best year, but I have become more focussed and resilient in regards to getting the job done on the course,” he said.

“I have and always will love representing Australia and the Barossa Valley, along with my sponsors Yalumba and Rockford Wines.

“I always get a buzz when they announce me to the tee around the world being, ‘from Tanunda, Australia’.”

• Best finish for the year - tied for 14th at the Iberostar Riviera Maya Open in Cancun Mexico

• Lowest round of the year - 65 (twice, first in Palm Springs California and second in the Seaforth Classic Ontario)

• Best tour statistic - average of 3.1 birdies per round, for a total of 144 from 14 events,

• Total eagles - four throughout the season

• Scoring average - 71.8 adjusted to a par of 72.

Ball-striking statistics:

- Improved fairways hit percentage - 72.7 per cent

• Improved greens in regulation to 68 per cent.

Putting:

• Averaged 31.7 putts per round.

This which place Johnson outside the top 200 on the PGA Tour.

“It really held me back this year, the old flatstick,” he said.

“I changed between five putters throughout the year.

“Definitely something to work hard on in the off season.”

Cuts made:

- Eight out of 14.

“Something else to be improved for next year.”