New Zealander Daniel Hillier delivered a determined performance at the Dubai Desert Classic, narrowly missing out on victory to Englishman Tyrrell Hatton by a single stroke.
Hillier, the overnight leader, birdied the final hole to put pressure on Hatton, who secured the win with a nerve-wracking seven-foot par putt.
Despite finishing second, Hillier earned a career-high $1.75 million, surpassing the $1 million prize from his 2023 British Masters victory.
The 26-year-old, ranked 223rd in the world, showcased resilience on a challenging final day, fighting hard to stay in contention. Reflecting on the bittersweet finish, Hillier praised Hatton’s composure, calling him “class” for his solid play under pressure.
The result marks Hillier’s strongest showing on the European Tour since his October 2023 top-10 finish at the Open de España, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.#
