Born in Summit, New Jersey but moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota around the time he was four years old.

Got started in golf in his backyard in Minnesota, as his mother, Susan, bought some artificial mats, dug a few holes and filled them with sand in an effort to replicate bunkers and provide Derek with a chipping area.

Began playing golf more formally around the time he was eight years old, at which time he played and practiced at The Minikahda Club. The club was established in 1898 and hosted the 1916 U.S. Open (won by Chick Evans), 1927 U.S. Amateur (won by Bobby Jones), and 1957 Walker Cup. Donald Ross redesigned the course in the years following the 1916 U.S. Open. The Minikahda Club also hosted a professional tennis tournament, the Minikahda Invitational, best known for being the first professional victory for 17-year-old Andre Agassi in 1987.

Enjoys hiking, reading, and fly fishing. Also goes through phases of playing online chess, and Sahith Theegala, a teammate of his at Pepperdine University, cited Hitchner as the person who encouraged him to get back into chess.

Grew up with a fascination for office supplies, especially Post-it notes, as used to write his mother messages on them, and filing cabinets. Remains incredibly picky about the pens he uses.

Through his involvement with AJGA Leadership Links, has helped raise money for the Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota.

Played five collegiate seasons at Pepperdine University (2018-23). Recorded 16 top-10s and won the 76th Western Intercollegiate. He finished No. 14 in the 2023 PGA TOUR University Ranking and earned exempt status on PGA TOUR Canada for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Concluded his career at Pepperdine ranked No. 6 in program history in career scoring average (71.49).

As an amateur, claimed victory at the 2021 Trans-Mississippi Amateur, achieved two additional top-5 finishes, and made it to the semifinals of the U.S. Amateur in 2022.

Participated in the 2023 Arnold Palmer Cup and a practice session for the 2023 Walker Cup.