Daniel Hillier of New Zealand plays his second shot on the 18th hole during day one of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Photo / Getty ImagesDaniel Hillier of New Zealand plays his second shot on the 18th hole during day one of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Photo / Getty ImagesDaniel Hillier had an eagle to continue his strong start to 2026, shooting a two-under 70 to sit five back from leader Francesco Molinari after the first day of the Dubai Desert Classic. The Kiwi trio of Hillier (two-under), Ryan Fox (even) and Kazuma Kobori (even) all sit in the top half of the field of a tournament that features a $15.2 million total prize purse. Both Kobori and Fox had up-and-down rounds mixed with four birdies and four bogeys each to sit in 41st place.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 22, 2026 22:35 UTC