With his runner-up finish at the DP World India Championship, Daniel Hillier not only secured a hefty prize money payout but also firmly positioned himself for a 2027 PGA Tour Card. A performance that is making waves in the golf world and shows: this man is aiming high.
The DP World India Championship in New Delhi was a true spectacle, and in the end, Spain's Eugenio Chacarra triumphed with 21-under par and a total score of 267 strokes. But the real story of the week was Daniel Hillier. The New Zealander fired a final round 67 to finish at 19-under par, just two shots behind Chacarra. A result that massively improves his chances of making the leap across the pond.
The Leap Towards the PGA Tour
With this second-place finish, Hillier catapulted from 14th to 8th in the Race to Dubai standings. This is crucial, as he is now the fifth of ten eligible players who would currently secure one of the coveted PGA Tour Cards for 2027. What a development, considering he started the tournament with an opening round 74 at the Delhi Golf Club. But Hillier showed nerves of steel, carding two consecutive rounds of 64, followed by a final round 67. His 64-67 weekend? What a sensational stretch! He was the only one who could truly challenge Chacarra.
No More Half Measures
Last year, Hillier narrowly missed PGA Tour qualification, falling short by two spots. This time, the starting position is entirely different, much stronger. Approximately €392,035 (NZ$779,111) in prize money was a nice bonus, but the Tour Card is the real jackpot. Three events are still pending, including the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, whose status is unclear due to regional security concerns. However, Hillier doesn't yet have mathematical certainty, and the competition never sleeps. It remains exciting, but the path is set.
