Photo via Yahoo Sports

‘Bit of disbelief': Pro's ‘toed' tee shot results in perfection - and $160,000 bonus

New Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier added a dramatic chapter to his career with an improbable hole-in-one at the Spanish Open on Thursday. The 28-year-old, already known for his clutch performances like a 2023 DP World Tour victory and a top-100 world ranking breakthrough this year, struck a tee shot on the par-3 17th at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid with a noticeable toe mishit.

Despite the flawed swing, the ball stayed on line and dropped into the front-left pin, earning Hillier his fifth ace and a $160,000 BMW iX5 SUV through a sponsor promotion. His disbelief turned to excitement as the crowd’s reaction confirmed the rare score—his first since joining the DP World Tour—and he finished the opening round with a four-under 67.

By Friday’s second round, Hillier had added another birdie, climbing to five under and narrowing the gap to leader Grant Forrest by four shots.

The ace marked another standout moment for Hillier, who admitted he didn’t see the ball drop but knew instantly from the crowd’s response. His latest success underscores his ability to deliver under pressure, even when the mechanics of a shot defy expectations.

With the car now headed to New Zealand, Hillier’s week has already delivered both a memorable swing and a life-changing bonus—though he joked about the long drive ahead for his new vehicle.

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