Fresh off another season abroad, Hillier says the chance to come home and compete in the country’s National Open is one of the true highlights of his year.
“Yeah, absolutely. It’s one of my favourite events of the year,” he says. “It’s in a pretty special part of the world, and playing the National Open is something that really, really excites me.”
The 2026 tournament will slot into a busy stretch of life for the young Kiwi pro. Hillier will spend two weeks back home around the event — a period that includes his wedding just days before he tees it up at Millbrook Resort.
But he insists the occasion won’t disrupt his focus.
“I think I’ve done pretty well at switching on and off when I need to,” he says. “Obviously it’s a very big occasion the week before the New Zealand Open, but I’m in good spirits. It’s going to be an exciting couple of weeks, and I just can’t wait to get down there and celebrate with everyone.”
Daniel Hillier (2018 New Zealand Open Low Amateur) and Daniel Nisbet (2018 New Zealand Open Champion) after the 2018 New Zealand Open. © Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz
For Hillier, the dream is crystal clear: lifting the Brodie Breeze Trophy — the symbol of New Zealand Open immortality.
“It would be amazing,” he says. “Winning the National Open is something you dream of. I feel like my game’s in a pretty good spot, so I just need to keep chipping away, keep staying patient. I know what I need to do to win — it’s just a matter of going out and doing it.”
Millbrook Resort, with its dramatic scenery and championship-ready layout, has become a place Hillier genuinely enjoys competing.
“It’s great,” he says. “The new nine they’ve put in is really cool. It adds another element with all the undulation, so it’s a great test.”
As always, the only unpredictable factor is the Central Otago weather.
“Hopefully the weather plays ball — you never know what you’re going to get down there,” Hillier says. “But I’m sure regardless we’ll have a great time, and I can’t wait to get down.”
With a wedding to celebrate and a National Open to chase, Hillier’s return home in 2026 has the potential to be one of the most memorable chapters of his life and has a real shot at etching his name onto the Brodie Breeze trophy.
