Defending champion Ryan Peake will be back at the New Zealand Open.
Tournament organisers announced yesterday Peake would return to the Millbrook event that transformed his career.
The Australian provided one of the most fascinating stories in Open history when he won the $2 million tournament in Arrowtown by a single stroke in March.
Peake made a stunning comeback to golf after serving a prison sentence for assault as part of a bikie gang.
“Other people look at my story differently. For me, it’s just my life — something I live and deal with every day,” Peake said in a statement announcing his return to Millbrook.
“It doesn’t feel as extraordinary to me as it might to others.”
Peake said he could not wait to return to the New Zealand Open as the defending champion.
“Pretty cool. Never got to do it before in such a significant event. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity.”
Since lifting the Brodie Breeze Trophy, Peake’s career has surged forward.
His Open win earned him full status on the Asian Tour, launching a whirlwind year of travel, competition, and development.
Victory also helped secure a DP World Tour card through his standing on the 2024-25 Australasian Order of Merit — an achievement he described as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“It was busy before I won New Zealand, and then winning got me my Asian Tour card. I was straight on the road, learning to travel the world again.
“It’s been challenging but great character building.
“Now I’m turning my focus towards my DP World Tour card. It’s been quite crazy, but I’m just looking forward to getting back to New Zealand.
“There hasn’t been any individual result that stands out — it’s all been one big development. Knowing that I earned the opportunities I have now is really rewarding for me and my team.”
Peake’s victory at the New Zealand Open did not only launch his international season.
It also made him the first champion to earn the bonus of a start at the British Open — something that will again be a carrot at the 2026 Open.
He missed the cut at Royal Portrush but is eager to get another taste of major golf.
“Credit to the New Zealand Open for securing that opportunity again. That’s part of the reason why I’m excited to defend, because the Open spot is up for grabs again.
“I didn’t perform my best at Portrush this year, but it’s definitely something I want more of.”
Peake also reflected fondly on the support he received from fans during his winning run, crediting a pre-round conversation with his coach for helping him embrace the moment.
“He told me to engage with the crowd, to make them feel part of it. He said I wouldn’t have the majority of the support, but if I did that, things would change.
“By the time that last putt dropped, it felt like 97% of the crowd were behind me.”
Today, he still feels the impact of that support.
“New Zealanders come up to me on the street now — they recognise me and say, ‘You won the New Zealand Open.’ They’ve made me feel like I’m part of the country. It’s been pretty cool.” — Allied Media
