With just one shot, a brand new BMW iX5 can be yours – Daniel Hillier not only scored a hole-in-one at the Open de España but also immediately secured a top-class electric SUV on Thursday's opening round. On the 17th green of Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, the New Zealander pulled out his 8-iron and watched the ball disappear directly into the hole from 187 yards (170 meters). The best part: Despite admitting he didn't hit the shot cleanly, the ball dropped – and a dream electric car worth a hefty 140,338 Euros was his, as the first player of the tournament.
Car Acquired, Score Soars
Hillier was completely stunned and didn't even know at first that the car was a special prize. His comment after the feat, that the journey home to New Zealand would be "a pretty long drive," shows the 28-year-old's subtle humor. With a very strong 4-under 67, he moved into a tie for fourth place – a brilliant start for the man who, in March 2026, just days after his wedding, already won his national Open. By the way, it was already his fifth hole-in-one.
Battle for the Lead and the Big Paycheck
At the top, Grant Forrest, Connor Syme, and Eugenio Chacarra set the pace with 5-under 66, while golf icon Sergio García lurked just one shot behind. For Hillier, the hefty special prize is certainly a highlight, but the 2026 Spanish Open also boasts a total prize fund of 3.75 million dollars, with the champion taking home a cool 637,500 dollars. Things are going really well here.
