Daniel Hillier

Daniel Hillier fought back from an opening 76 at Royal Troon last summer to finish in a tie for 19th place, only three strokes away from a spot in the top 10.

It was just the fourth major appearance for the 26-year-old and the first time he had survived the halfway cut.

The New Zealander had to wait until 6 July to secure his Royal Portrush place through this season’s DP World Tour rankings. That owed much to his runner-up finish, a shot behind Tyrrell Hatton at January’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Hillier’s one victory on the circuit came in the 2023 Betfred British Masters at The Belfry, declaring himself “gobsmacked” after he eagled the 15th, birdied the next and made another eagle on the 17th as he triumphed by two and with it earned his Open place at Royal Liverpool.