This past weekend, Ryan Peake earned his ticket to Royal Portrush by winning the 104th New Zealand Open, draining an 8-foot par putt on the final hole to avoid a four-way playoff. Starting the final round, Peake was four strokes behind leader Guntaek Koh. Luckily, Peake fired a bogey-free 66 to finish at 23-under-par, claiming the victory and a prize of approximately $112,000.
As a young adult, Peake was a promising golfer from Western Australia. He played alongside talent like Cameron Smith. However, before his career could take off her became involved with the outlawed Rebels motorcycle gang. He would soon face a five year conviction for assault.
During incarceration, he was approached by golf coach Richie Smith. He saw the potential in him and offered him the opportunity to resume his career. In 2022, he returned to golf full-time and by 2024 earned a card on the PGA Australia tour.
As a 31-year-old rookie, Peake has added another remarkable chapter to his inspiring comeback story by securing a spot in The Open Championship on Sunday.
“I’ve just changed my life,” Peake said after his win. “This is what I do. I just want to be here and play golf. The story is what it is. But I’m just out here playing golf.”
Peake has showed gratitude for this opportunity to restart his career. He is grateful for the support and encouragement from friends and family.
“I always knew I could do it but it was just a matter of when I was going to do it,” Peake said. “Along with my family and my team everyone believed and most of all I believed as well.”