Golf: Kiwi Daniel Hillier joins Ryan Fox, Danny Lee at upcoming British Open

Kiwi Daniel Hillier has grabbed one of the final qualifying spots for next month's British Open at the Royal St George course in Kent.

The 22-year-old golfer has finished atop the leaderboard at one of the four final qualifying tournaments at Hollinwell in Nottinghamshire.

The world no.688 shot a course record-equalling eight-under 64 in his morning round, before a  final hole birdie saw him card a three-under 69 later in the day to finish a shot clear of Jonathan Thomson.

"I've got goosebumps hearing that [I've qualified], which pretty much sums it up," Hillier said.

"It's been a pretty crazy day. I got pretty hot on the back nine in the morning and held on through the front nine in the afternoon, then picked up a few birdies coming home which was really nice.

"It's a dream come true. I've always wanted to play in Major Championships and this will be my second one, so I'm really excited to get into it.

He will be one of three New Zealanders in the field at Royal St George's alongside Ryan Fox and Danny Lee.

This will be Hillier's second Major after he appeared at the 2019 US Open as an amateur.