Stuff News Article.
Last updated Monday 19th January 2026.
New Zealander Daniel Hillier pocketed around $521,000 (€258,404) when he finished second at the Dubai Invitational in the United Arab Emirates.
Hillier carded a six-under 65 in the final round for an overall score of 275 to finish one shot behind Spain’s Nacho Elvira at Dubai Creek Resort in Dubai for what was a memorable way to begin the DP World Tour season.
The drama involving Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who charged to the top of the leaderboard when he nailed a birdie at the 15th hole but had a meltdown on the 18th when he found the water and finished with a double bogey, was a big talking point.
But it would have been remiss to overlook what Hillier achieved as he finished the tournament ahead of heavyweights such as Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.
Hillier, who started the final round at three-under, was five-under following the opening nine holes and then shifted up a gear.
An eagle on the par five 13th, followed by a birdie on the 15th propelled him into a share of the lead with McIlroy and Elvira.
Hillier was the clubhouse leader at nine under, but Elvira carded his first birdie of the back nine at the 17th to earn a one-shot lead.
He then calmly secured a par in the final hole for the win.
