Daniel Hillier emerged as the hero of his homeland, winning the New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort for the first time. Hillier finished with a two-shot advantage over Australian Lucas Herbert to become the first New Zealander to claim the title in nine years.

The 28-year-old held a slender one-shot lead at the start of the day and maintained composure on the Composite course at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown. He posted a four-under-par 67, concluding the tournament at 22 under, matched by Herbert, but sufficient for victory.

Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura (67) and New Zealand’s Kerry Mountcastle (71) shared third place, five strokes adrift of Hillier. Other notable players included Australian Travis Smyth (68), Sweden’s Charlie Lindh (67), and Australia’s Wade Ormsby (70), who finished tied for sixth.

With Hillier already exempt for The Open, Herbert secured his own invite through the Open Qualifying Series, marking an important milestone as part of his preparation for golf’s oldest major.

Hillier in control from start to finish

Hillier’s steady performance throughout the day kept him in command. A birdie on the ninth hole brought him to 20 under, two clear of Herbert. Although he dropped a shot immediately after, he regained a two-shot margin with birdies on the 11th, 12th, and 17th holes, closing the day with confidence.

The victory held personal significance for Hillier, coming just days after tying the knot. He also added to his impressive amateur record, having won the Bledisloe Cup twice, in 2016 and 2018, awarded to the leading amateur in the New Zealand Open.

“I think this is going to be one of the best days of my life forever,” Hillier said. “Ever since I started playing it, it was the one I wanted to get. I’m so stoked I managed to do it today. Everything that came out afterwards was just pure emotion.”

Hillier became the first Kiwi winner of the event since Michael Hendry in 2017, also at Millbrook Resort, ending a nine-year drought for New Zealand champions.

Herbert praises Hillier, looks ahead

For LIV Golf star Lucas Herbert, the tournament delivered both a competitive challenge and personal reward, as he secured his sixth appearance in The Open. Herbert expressed admiration for Hillier’s win, noting the timing shortly after his wedding.

“I thought it was a nice thing to look at and see Dan in his second week of marriage winning his National Open. I don’t know his life gets that much better for him,” Herbert said.

The Asian Tour now turns its attention to Japan, where the International Series season kicks off at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba from April 2–5. Offering a total prize fund of US$2 million, the event provides a pathway for players to the LIV Golf League through the International Series Rankings.