Daniel Hillier finishes just short of the title at the @DPWorldTour Dubai Desert Classic but still a great tournament.#DPWorldTour #danielhillier #DubaiDesertClassic @golfnewzealand_ https://t.co/p2f2mNWSFi
— NZ Sports Wire (@NZSportsWire) January 20, 2025
Daniel Hillier, the rising talent from New Zealand, has captured the spotlight with a stunning performance at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025.
Following an impressive 2-under-par 70 in the third round, Hillier now holds the top spot at 13-under for the tournament, setting the stage for an intense final round at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.
A One-Stroke Lead Heading Into the Final Round
Daniel Hillier enters the final day with a slim one-stroke lead over England’s Tyrrell Hatton. Hatton, a seven-time European Tour winner, is hot on Hillier’s heels after carding a 68 in the third round.
Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson, who held the lead after the second round, stumbled with a 74 on Saturday, dropping to third place and three shots off the lead.
The Kiwi’s lead at the Dubai Classic is monumental for his career. Ranked 223rd globally, Hillier has struggled for consistency in recent events and hasn’t secured a top-10 finish since October 2023. Capturing the trophy in Dubai would mark a turning point for the 25-year-old golfer.
Tournament Insights
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a marquee event on the DP World Tour, boasts a $9 million prize pool, with the winner taking home $1,530,000.
As the first of five Rolex Series tournaments in 2025, it has drawn an elite field of competitors, all chasing one of the tour’s largest prize purses.
The tournament also awards 8,000 Race to Dubai points and 2,000 Ryder Cup points, further highlighting its significance for players vying for higher rankings and international team spots.
Notable stars in the field include Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner of this event and currently ranked No. 3 in the world. McIlroy, seeking his third consecutive Dubai Desert Classic title, trails the leaders by seven strokes and sits tied for 12th, setting up a challenging final round task for him.
Other familiar names such as Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, and Akshay Bhatia are competing but remain behind Hillier and Hatton on the leaderboard.
Founded in 1989, the Dubai Desert Classic has cemented its position as one of golf’s premier global events. Past champions include icons like Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau.
Its prestige, coupled with immense prize money and Ryder Cup points, ensures that it consistently attracts the world’s best players.
A Defining Moment for Daniel Hillier
For Daniel Hillier, winning the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic could be “life-changing,” as he himself recently acknowledged. After a year filled with challenges and frustration, the chance to secure his second career win on the European Tour is within reach.
His first came in July 2023 at the British Masters. But with formidable contenders like Hatton and Ferguson in pursuit, Hillier’s road to victory will require grace under pressure and a flawless final round.
The New Zealand golfer’s story of resurgence and resilience is already inspiring, regardless of the outcome. But a win here would take him to new heights in his career and put him firmly on the map in the world of golf.
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