The New Zealand Open gets underway this Thursday where all eyes are on the local contenders hoping to etch their names into history and end an eight-year title drought.
Leading the Kiwi charge is Dan Hillier, who arrives at Millbrook in strong form following his runner-up finish at the Dubai Desert Classic last month.
He admits there's a bit of pressure on for his 7th NZ Open start
“Probably more nervous for this week than most weeks out on tour,” Hillier said.
The numbers tell a stark story for the New Zealanders - There have been 11 Australian champions in the last 20 years, compared to just one Kiwi winner in that same period.
That last New Zealand victor was Michael Hendry, who lifted the title in 2017. Hendry is back for another shot this time with even more to play for following his cancer diagnosis in 2023.
“I have no words, it would be the absolute ultimate,” he said when asked what it would mean to reclaim the title. “It was remembering times like 2017 and hoping and wishing for those things that got me through that period.”
For Hillier, the hunger to win his national open is undeniable.
“I’ve come close a couple of times. I’ve been lucky enough to win a few events in the past, but winning your national open? That would be pretty hard to beat.”
Beyond the silverware, there’s an added incentive this week - whoever triumphs at Millbrook will secure automatic qualification for The Open Championship, one of golf’s most prestigious events.
“I’m lucky that with my start on the DP World Tour, I’ve got myself in a good position to qualify that way as well,” Hillier said. “But a lot of these guys will be itching to get their first notch under the belt.”
Hendry, too, has his sights set on the bigger picture.
“I feel like I’m a good enough player to go out there and have a really good week and have a top finish, but I haven’t shown that yet at a major level. I’d love the opportunity to put my best foot forward in that scenario.”
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