Kiwi Golfer Daniel Hillier Shines in Dubai, Eyes PGA Tour Card

Daniel Hillier delivered an impressive performance during the opening round of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, positioning himself closer to a coveted spot on the PGA Tour for the upcoming season. The New Zealand golfer achieved a remarkable five-under 67 at the Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course, securing a tie for sixth place among a competitive 52-man field. This strong start places him just three shots behind the first-round leader, Michael Kim of the United States, who carded an eight-under 64.

Hillier’s performance was not only notable for its quality but also for its implications on his standings. He climbed to ninth in the projected rankings for the ten available PGA Tour spots for 2026. The top ten finishers in the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai standings, excluding those already exempt, will gain dual membership on the PGA Tour. Hillier began the day in twelfth place but surpassed several key competitors, including England’s Jordan Smith, who struggled with a three-over 75, France’s Martin Couvra with a 73, and Japan’s Keita Nakajima who finished with a 70.

Hillier’s early success put pressure on his rivals, many of whom cannot afford another disappointing round. Paired with Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, Hillier started strong, sinking a birdie putt of approximately 15 meters on the first hole. He continued this momentum with another birdie on the par-five second hole, followed by additional birdies on the ninth, fourteenth, and fifteenth holes. His performance strengthened his chances of joining fellow Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox on the PGA Tour next year.

As the tournament progresses, Hillier’s competitors will need to respond. Currently, Michael Kim leads by one shot over Tommy Fleetwood, with three players tied for third at six-under par: Rory McIlroy, Andy Sullivan, and Thriston Lawrence. Hillier shares his position with Nicolai Hojgaard from Denmark and England’s Brandon Robinson Thompson. He is scheduled to tee off alongside Hojgaard in the second round at 09:10 PM on March 15, 2024, New Zealand Time.

Another New Zealander, Kazuma Kobori, also competed well, finishing his opening round at two-under 70, placing him tied for 22nd. The DP World Tour Championship boasts a substantial prize pool of $17.7 million, with the winner set to receive $5.3 million.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Hillier, whose flawless start has placed him in a prime position to achieve his goal of securing a PGA Tour card. His performance in the coming rounds will determine if he can maintain this momentum and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.