From prison to The Masters: Former gang member’s astonishing rise

Ryan Peake clinched the New Zealand Open on Sunday, winning a place in The Open Championship for 2025 and completing an incredible rise to the top of the game.

Now 31, Peake will compete in a major for the first time in his career. Despite being a promising player in his youth, Peake was a part of the ‘Rebels’ outlaw biker gang and found himself in trouble. At the age of 21 he was found guilty of serious assault and was sentenced to five years in prison, seemingly ending his sporting career.

However while in prison Peake was contacted by coach Ritchie Smith, who encouraged Peake to return to the game after his release. He received an Australian tour card this season and recorded his first professional win at the New Zealand Open this week.

“I always knew I could do it but it was just a matter of when I was going to do it,” Peake said after the shock victory. “Along with my family and my team, everyone believed, and most of all, I believed as well.”

The win has bagged him a top prize of Aus$201,600 ($125,000) but it was not a smooth process. His entry to New Zealand was delayed by immigration officials due to his previous conviction, nearly missing the tournament entirely. He will likely experience similar issues at The Open, requiring international clearance to travel over to Northern Ireland to compete in this summer’s tournament.

But, for now, concerns about travel arrangements will be far from Peake’s mind as he savours the biggest win of his career. Reflecting on Sunday’s triumph, Peake was in no doubt about the scale of the achievement.

“I’ve just changed my life,” Peake added. “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.”

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