With a rainbow hovering over him, Ryan Peake won the New Zealand Open, earning an invitation to the Open Championship and adding another chapter to an incredible redemption story.
As Peake was rising the amateur golf ranks in Australia, once a teammate of Cameron Smith’s, he was living a double life as a member of the Rebels motorcycle gang.
In 2014, when Peake was 21, he was sentenced to five years in jail for assault.
While serving, prominent Western Australia golf coach Ritchie Smith reached out and offered to help him return to golf upon his release.
The 31-year-old just received his Australasian tour card and the New Zealand Open is his first win.
Ryan’s entry into the country was delayed by his criminal record, but he made it in time to shoot a 23-under, going 55 holes without a bogey ending with an 8’ par putt on the 72nd hole to avoid a four-way playoff.
“I’ve just changed my life,” Peake told reporters after the win.
photos: @RyanPeake
1 Comment
Don't pay attention to negativity onwards and upwards mate 🎉