Kiwi golfer Daniel Hillier has continued his hot start to the DP World Tour season with his fourth top five finish following a strong final round at the Bahrain Championship.
Hillier carded a final round 66 to finish at 16-under and a share of fourth place, one shot back froma three-way playoff to decide the winner.
Germany’s Freddy Schott edged out Patrick Reed and Calum Hill in the playoff to win his first European Tour title.
Hillier earns €106,608 ($209,900) taking his 2026 winnings to €529,269 ($1,042,077) having played just five tournaments. He now sits fifth on the season Race to Dubai Rankings, after finishing in 18th in 2025 and two places shy of a PGA Tour card.
Schott began the final round two shots behind overnight leader Hill but pulled level after a three-under 69 as they finished 17-under par for the tournament alongside former Masters champion Reed.
Reed, who plans to return to the PGA Tour later this year after leaving the LIV Golf circuit, won the Dubai Desert Classic last week and hauled himself into contention again with a closing 67 in Bahrain.
But Reed found the bunker with his tee shot on the first playoff hole and dropped out of the running, setting up a showdown between Schott and Hill.
Hill sportingly conceded on the next hole after sending his tee shot out of bounds and then finding the water with his fourth as Schott – who also nearly sent his ball into the water – chipped on to the green.
“I have no idea. It’s just amazing, I’m just extremely happy, surprised ... I don’t know what’s happening right now. I’m just so happy,” said the 24-year-old Schott.
“I could have done it the regular way, that would have also been fine! But to do it this way feels even more special, so I’m just glad it happened this way.”
