In a scene that has captivated the sporting world, the 17th hole at Royal Queensland Golf Club became the epicentre of a viral moment during the third round of the Australian PGA Championship.
A Spontaneous Chorus on the Green
The magic unfolded on Saturday when New Zealand professional Daniel Hillier was preparing for a challenging 10-foot putt. Instead of the customary silence, a group of festive fans broke into a spontaneous and heartfelt rendition of the Neil Diamond classic, Sweet Caroline.
In a remarkable display of composure and showmanship, Hillier embraced the moment. He momentarily paused his pre-shot routine, turning to act as the crowd's conductor, waving his arms to the rhythm of the famous tune.
The incredible vision, which has been widely shared online, shows Hillier then stepping up and calmly sinking the putt amidst the ongoing chorus, much to the delight of the spectators.
Social Media Erupts Over Unforgettable Scene
The moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, challenging the traditional etiquette of golf crowds who are usually hushed during high-pressure situations.
The popular golf account Flushing It shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "Imagine having to a hole a ten footer for par while in contention for the Australian PGA Championship and stopping during your pre-shot routine to sing Sweet Caroline with the crowd, then making it... So good! So good! So good!"
Fans and commentators were universally impressed. One fan noted the difference in crowd behaviour, stating, "American fan’s should take note on how other fans behave compared to said yanks." Others simply celebrated the fun atmosphere, with comments like "Looks like a blast" and "What a stud!" in reference to Hillier's performance.
One observer perfectly captured the significance of the moment: "Moments like this show what true peak performance looks like — the ability to stay composed, connect with the crowd, and still execute under pressure. That’s the difference between skilled players and clutch winners."
Setting Up for an Epic Finale
The Australian PGA Championship is now poised for a thrilling conclusion on Sunday. At the time of the incident, the leaderboard was tightly packed, promising an exciting finish.
Three players were locked in the lead at 13 under par, with two more sitting at 12 under. Daniel Hillier was among a group of four players just two shots off the lead at 11 under par.
The Australian contingent remains strongly in the hunt, featuring stars like Anthony Quayle (who was a joint leader), former Masters champion Adam Scott, the exciting Min Woo Lee, and veteran Marc Leishman.
The Queensland event has successfully struck a balance between party atmosphere and sporting tradition, attracting record interest. The tournament is offering a record $2.5 million in prize money, a $500,000 increase from the previous year. The champion on Sunday is set to take home a winner's cheque of $425,000.
