Golf is a game of focus and precision, and while most tour pros require nerves of steel to get the job done — sometimes, a bit of fun can inspire some magic on the course. That’s exactly what happened to Daniel Hillier at the BMW Australian PGA Championship.
Hillier, who was one off the lead coming down the stretch, was standing on the green of the par-3 17th hole staring down a daunting 10-foot putt for par to stay at 12-under and keep himself in the fight. As he read his putt, fans in the surrounding box seats began singing along to Neil Diamond’s, Sweet Caroline.
What started as a mere murmur grew into a roar after Hillier threw his arms into the air and joined the crowd, punching the air as he conducted and sang along.
His light-hearted attitude, along with the overall atmosphere, seemed to ease the tension surrounding the crucial putt he faced. Hillier resumed his pre-shot routine as the crowd continued belting out the lyrics. As he stepped up to the ball and fixed his gaze on the hole, fans fell silent, waiting to see if he would sink the putt.
He made a smooth stroke, and as the ball dropped into the cup, the crowd erupted. Hillier tossed the ball into the stands and walked off the green with a wide smile.
Ultimately, it was David Puig of Fireballs GC who claimed the BMW Australian PGA Championship title. But Hillier undeniably won over the fans with a performance that was “so good, so good.”
While the Australian PGA Championship brought dramatic swings and flashes of brilliance, Hillier’s “Sweet Caroline” moment will likely remain one of the tournament’s most unforgettable highlights for those who witnessed it during the final round.
