Daniel Hillier: 2023 beckons

By Neville Idour

Daniel Hillier has had a milestone 2022 year in his career with gaining his full DP World Tour card after several outstanding performances. His reflections on 2022 are revealing.

“It was a very long year. I guess when you are overseas for an extended period of time you definitely have your ups and downs,” Hillier recalled.

“I started the year really well and got myself into a good position early on, but had a bit of a rough patch through the middle.

``I was lucky during that period that (girlfriend) Siobhan decided to come over for a few weeks and she helped me get through that. The thing with golf is you are never going to play well all the time. It was probably the first time I have had an extended period where I wasn’t playing how I wanted. I was probably mentally fatigued. There were also a few travel issues then as well.

“ It was an interesting time through the middle of the year so I ended up getting a flight home in August. I just needed to have a bit of a reset. Although it was only for 10 or 11 days I felt a little bit guilty doing that as I was missing out on tournaments and opportunities to move up the rankings. At the same time I think it was something I needed to do to get my head back into a good space.”

So it would prove as Hillier relates.

“When I came back I felt pretty fresh and managed to finish the season off well.''

We asked Siobhan if she got back on the bag when she went over to join him.

“I was lucky enough not to caddy for the first few weeks,’’ she said.

``I thought I would go over and have a bit of fun for myself, but also I think it helps Dan mentally to have a familiar face with him.”

“Then Dan’s full-time caddie had a wedding to go to one week. So the last week I was there I caddied in Scotland at Fairmont, St Andrews where Dan finished 12th. So I think I have still got it,’’ she said with a laugh.

``I think it is nice I could do that when we needed to. I love it as it was a bit of fun for me too. We said let’s have a break at home and even though it was only a week and a half it was just what was needed.”

So what are the plans for 2023? Hillier explains.

“I leave in January and my first event will hopefully be Abu Dahbi where my ranking should get me a start. The Rolex series starts the year.

``There are a few tournaments in the United Arab Emirates, then we move to Asia for a few DP World Tour events.”

This means he will miss the Australasian Tour although the New Zealand Open is a possibility.

“I am not sure about the New Zealand Open. It is all situational. It is nice to have more events closer to home so it means only one long haul flight rather than two. After those events there is a little break so I will be able to come home for a few weeks.”

How does he see the DP World Tour?

“They have upped their game and there is plenty to play for with cards for the PGA Tour up for grabs and prizemoney increases. The next couple of years will be interesting.”

As for Siobhan what does 2023 hold for her?

“I will continue to work and get my teachers' registration. I have got one more year on that and then the worlds our oyster after that. I’ll be able to go over in the new year during my school holidays if it works out. It would be in March and then July around some of the big events. If we play an Open qualifier that would be cool. The principal at my school is very forgiving if I want some time off to pop over or take some time if Daniel comes home.”

On that happy note we left this likeable couple to enjoy the second day at The Hills Invitation Pro-Am.