Ryan Fox and Daniel Hillier are set to lead New Zealand’s challenge at the DP World India Championship, with both Kiwis beginning their campaigns within 30 minutes of each other at Delhi Golf Club.
Hillier tees off at 11.30am local time — 7pm NZDT — alongside South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence and South Korea’s Byeong Hun An.
Fox follows at noon local time, 7.30pm NZDT, in one of the marquee groups alongside Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed and reigning PGA champion Aaron Rai.
With a strong international field and valuable Race to Dubai points available, there is plenty at stake for both New Zealanders.
Hillier Continues PGA Tour Card Chase
The week carries particular importance for Hillier as he pursues one of the ten PGA Tour cards available through the DP World Tour.
Those cards will go to the leading ten eligible players in the final Race to Dubai standings who are not otherwise exempt for the PGA Tour.
Hillier remains inside that projected group entering the final four tournaments of the season, leaving every position increasingly valuable.
The 28-year-old has already enjoyed a memorable year, highlighted by his New Zealand Open victory at Millbrook, two runner-up finishes and his recent hole-in-one at the Open de España.
A strong result in Delhi could provide valuable breathing room before the final three events and the season-ending DP World Tour Play-Offs.
Fox Leaves Driver Out Of The Bag
Fox arrives in India as the reigning Champion Golfer of the Year and will face an unusually strategic challenge.
For the first time in his professional career, the powerful Kiwi will contest a tournament without a driver in the bag.
He is far from alone.
Rory McIlroy has also opted to leave the driver out as players adjust to Delhi Golf Club’s narrow, tree-lined corridors and sharp doglegs.
At around 6,900 yards, the course is short by modern professional standards, but its defence comes through accuracy and positioning rather than length.
Fox will instead rely on irons, utility clubs and fairway woods from the tee as he attempts to keep the ball in play.
That creates a fascinating examination for a player whose power is normally one of his biggest weapons.
Major Champions Together
Fox’s grouping with American Reed and England’s Rai brings together three major champions.
Reed enters the week leading the Race to Dubai, while Rai arrives as the reigning PGA champion after his breakthrough major victory earlier this season.
Fox, meanwhile, carries the Claret Jug credentials following his triumph at Royal Birkdale.
Their contrasting styles should make the group one of the more intriguing combinations to follow during the opening two rounds.
A Very Different Test In Delhi
Delhi Golf Club demands patience.
Wayward shots can quickly leave players blocked by trees or scrambling simply to return the ball to position, while aggressive club selections do not always bring the usual rewards.
That could suit Hillier’s composed approach, while testing Fox’s ability to adjust from his naturally aggressive style.
The tournament’s opening groups begin at 6.25am local time — 1.55pm NZDT.
McIlroy, defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre are among the headline morning groups before attention turns to the two New Zealanders later in the day.
For Fox, India presents another opportunity to contend against an elite field.
For Hillier, the implications could be even greater.
With a PGA Tour card for 2027 within reach, every shot over the next four tournaments could help shape the next stage of his career.
