Daniel Hillier returns from honeymoon break for China Open in Shanghai

Daniel Hillier attends a press conference prior to the Volvo China Open 2026 at Enhance Anting Golf Club. Photo / Getty Images

Daniel Hillier is hoping to shake off the rust as he returns to action for the first time since his New Zealand Open triumph seven weeks ago.

Hillier enjoyed an extended break and his honeymoon with wife Siobhan after his victory at Millbrook Resort last month.

His third professional win saw him move inside the top 100 in the world, currently sitting at No 90 heading into today’s China Open in Shanghai.

“It was the best day of our lives,” Hillier said of his wedding. “We had a bit of time to soak it all in, we had our honeymoon, and now I’m feeling fresh and ready to come back out this week in China.

“I can’t remember the last time I had a break that long. I felt a little bit antsy at the end of it, I was ready to get back out. There may be a little bit of rust to get rid of but hopefully that doesn’t last too long.”

Along with his New Zealand Open victory, Hillier has made a strong start to the DP Tour season with four top 10s, including a runner-up placing at the Dubai Invitational in January. It has continued the fine form that saw him just miss out on a PGA Tour card by two places in the standings.

“Looking back on last year, I came close to one of those PGA Tour cards, so hopefully I can make up that little bit of difference that I didn’t quite manage,” Hillier said.

The China Open, which takes place at Shanghai Enhance Anting GC, and next week’s Turkish Open, end the Asian swing of the DP Tour season before the players head to Europe from May until mid-October.

Hillier started strong at last year’s tournament, sitting in eighth at five-under through two rounds before dropping shots over the weekend.

He tees off at 4.20pm alongside defending champion Wu Ashun and Spain’s Angel Ayora. Fellow Kiwi Kazuma Kobori is also in the field.

“It’s definitely a strong course, and it’s changed a lot since Tuesday – we obviously had a lot of rain overnight,” Hillier said. “It’s gone from being extremely firm and fast to soft and slow, so there’s a bit of adjustment needed.

“You need to be on with your irons, especially. You’re going to have your mid‑long irons coming into the greens and usually that’s my strength, so hopefully we have another week of that.”

Cameron McMillan has been a sports journalist since 2003 and is NZME’s Deputy Head of Sport.