Former Australian motorcycle gang member Ryan Peake completed a stunning redemption story on Sunday, winning the New Zealand Open and securing a spot in this year’s British Open. The 31-year-old from Perth, who previously served a five-year jail term for assault, held his nerve to claim a one-shot victory at the Millbrook Resort course near Queenstown. His triumph earned him a berth at the prestigious major in Portrush, Northern Ireland, in July, pending clearance to travel as a convicted criminal.
Peake’s emotional celebration on the 18th green saw him showered with champagne by friends as he reflected on a journey few in professional golf could relate to. Fighting back tears, the heavily tattooed left-hander acknowledged the profound impact the sport has had on his life.
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“Yeah, I’m pretty lost for words at the moment, life-changing,” Peake said. “It’s one hell of a story, one hell of a moment. Just belief. I always knew I could do it, it was just a matter of time when I was going to do it. This is what I do now. I want to be here and just play golf. The story is what it is, but I’m just out here playing golf.”
Peake’s path to the tournament was almost derailed before it began. Initially delayed by New Zealand immigration officials due to his criminal record, he only arrived on Tuesday night, just in time for Thursday’s tee-off at the Australasian and Asian Tour co-sanctioned event. His past, which involved joining the outlawed Rebels motorcycle gang and making a series of poor choices in his early twenties, continues to present hurdles, as he requires special travel permission to compete outside Australia.
Once on the course, Peake delivered a near-flawless performance. After an opening-round 67, he went bogey-free over the final three rounds, carding 64, 64, and 66 to finish on 23-under. His decisive moment came with a birdie on the par-five 17th, breaking a four-way tie at 22-under. A clutch seven-foot putt for par on the final hole sealed the win by a single stroke over compatriot Jack Thompson, South African Ian Snyman, and Japan’s Kazuki Higa.
Peake had started the final round in second place, four shots behind South Korea’s Koh Gun-taek, who struggled down the stretch, finishing with a 72 and settling for fifth place at 21-under. With his victory, Peake not only claimed a spot at the British Open but also pocketed $201,600 in prize money, marking a remarkable rise for the rookie on the Australasian Tour.