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'I've got the game to do it': Hillier proud of British Masters finish despite final round stumble
Robbie Cuthbertson • September 1st, 2026 11:30 am
Daniel Hillier | Photo: Michael Thomas/Photosport
Daniel Hillier may have surrendered his British Masters lead, but his tied runner-up finish at The Belfry has strengthened his belief that a PGA Tour card is within reach.
The Kiwi finished one over in the final round as Englishman Joe Dean stormed to nine under to win by three shots.
Hillier led the tournament heading into the final round and despite not holding on to the lead, he took many positives from the tournament.
“I think my patience was really good,” Hillier told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy
“The greens were a little bumpy, it wasn't holding a huge amount of putts, so it's one of those weeks where it can get a bit frustrating.”
But I've managed to hold my composure quite well and didn't let that get the better of me.”
Hillier won the British Masters in 2023, and the recent result is his fourth top five finish of the season, including a win at the New Zealand Open, which puts the Kiwi in good position to earn a PGA tour card.
Daniel Hillier on his NZ Open triumph | Scotty & Izzy
The 28-year-old currently sits seventh in the race for one of 10 PGA Tour cards but knows there is still plenty of work to do.
“There’s a lot of golf to be played and a lot more points up for grabs,” Hillier said.
“I just need to keep my head down. Obviously, I know I've got the game to do it.”
Hillier said that Ryan Fox and his success has been a huge inspiration and being there to see Fox win the Open Championship was a special moment.
“It was absolutely crazy. I mean, I still get goosebumps when I think about it. Standing there on the 18th green and I don't think I've ever shouted as loud as I did.”
Hillier described the chance to be on the PGA Tour alongside a fellow Kiwi as a special feeling.
“That'd be awesome to have both of us out there on the PGA Tour.”
Hopefully, if I just do my job as well as I can, then the results take care of themselves.” Hillier said on his chances of getting a tour card.
The Kiwi golfer is currently in Switzerland ahead of the European Masters and he says the course reminds him of home.
“I'm looking out the window I'm seeing these mountains and it does it looks exactly like Queenstown so yeah that's quite a comforting sight.” Hillier Said.
“It's a fun track it's pretty quirky and I'm sure it'll be yeah pretty firm and fast with the weather they've had recently but yeah i'm looking forward to it.”
I'll head out tomorrow and scope the course out. And yeah, it's going to be a great week.”
Listen to the full interview below:
