New Zealander Daniel Hillier secured an all-electric BMW iX5 SUV valued at 140,338 euros during the opening round of the Open de España presented by Madrid, acing the 187-yard par-3 17th hole at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid despite a mishit.
Daniel Hillier Claims Luxury SUV With 17th-Hole Ace
Playing the 187-yard par-3 hole during Thursday’s opening action at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, the 28-year-old New Zealander struck an 8-iron that did not quite meet his expectations.
“To be honest, I toed it quite a bit. Wasn’t too happy with the strike. I was telling it to go the whole way, but it kind of hung in the air for a little bit longer than I thought. And then, yeah, heard some cheers.”
Daniel Hillier
The ball pitched pin-high, took a single hop to the left, and rolled directly into the cup. Hillier did not immediately realize he had scored what he believes is his fifth career hole-in-one. He confirmed the successful stroke only after watching spectators erupt at the back of the grandstand.
Player Wins BMW SUV for Hole-In-One
The vehicle offered by the tournament sponsors was designated specifically for the first player to record a hole-in-one on that particular hole during the week. According to the DP World Tour, the all-electric BMW iX5 SUV is valued at 140,338 euros, which equates to approximately $157,000. Some tournament accounts noted the base valuation at 140,000 euros.
Hillier added that he was absolutely stoked and very grateful for the unexpected windfall, though he quickly acknowledged a logistical complication.
“I’ve locked it up pretty early, but absolutely stoked and very grateful. It’s going to be a long drive though to New Zealand, I know that much!”
Daniel Hillier
Grant Forrest, Connor Syme, and Eugenio Chacarra shared the first-round lead after carding matching rounds of 5-under 66, while Sergio Garcia sat one shot back among the group chasing the leaders. The shot propelled Hillier to a four-under 67, placing him in a tie for fourth place after the opening 18 holes at the Madrid venue.
Hillier Extends Season Form Following March Wedding
The golfer won his national open in March just days after getting married. Hillier noted that the year just keeps getting better
and expressed hope that he can maintain the momentum through the coming months.