Ex-Motorcycle Gang Member Ryan Peake Reaches Open with Win

Former motorcycle gang member Ryan Peake has made an extraordinary comeback in his life, qualifying for the Open at Portrush after an impressive victory at the New Zealand Open. This remarkable achievement has drawn attention not only due to his success on the golf course but also because of his incredible journey from his troubled past to becoming a professional golfer. Peake’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of sport.

The Road to Redemption: Peake’s Past and Future

Ryan Peake, now 31, hails from Perth, Australia. His journey to the New Zealand Open victory is anything but conventional. As a young man, Peake was deeply involved in the dangerous world of outlaw motorcycle gangs, specifically the Rebels, a notorious Australian gang. His involvement in this world ultimately led to serious legal consequences. At the age of 21, Peake was sentenced to five years in prison for a serious assault. However, his life took a pivotal turn when he began focusing on golf, a sport he had shown promise in as a youth.

Peake’s time in prison was not wasted. It was during his incarceration that he received a life-changing phone call from golf coach Ritchie Smith, who encouraged him to pick up the clubs again once released. The decision to focus on golf would prove to be the catalyst for Peake’s redemption. This call marked the beginning of his transformation from a man with a troubled past to a promising golfer determined to carve out a new future.

A New Beginning: The New Zealand Open Victory

Ex-biker gang member Peake books Portrush Open place-Ryan Peake

Peake’s triumph at the 2025 New Zealand Open is a testament to his resilience. Despite a delayed entry to the country due to immigration issues, he managed to arrive just in time to compete in the tournament at the Millbrook Resort near Queenstown. The event, co-sanctioned by the Australasian and Asian Tours, was an opportunity for Peake to prove himself on the international stage.

As he stepped onto the course, the pressure was on. With a final-round surge, Peake chased down the leaders and emerged victorious by a single shot. The win was not just a career milestone but a moment of personal redemption. Peake finished with a one-shot lead over compatriot Jack Thompson, South African Ian Snyman, and Japan’s Kazuki Higa. His final-round performance was a remarkable comeback, considering he was four shots behind heading into the last day.

The victory earned Peake an impressive Aus$201,600 (approximately £99,500), marking the beginning of what could be a successful professional career on the Australasian Tour. He couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed as he celebrated with family and friends, visibly emotional about the journey he had undertaken.

“Yeah, I’m pretty lost for words at the moment, [the win is] life-changing,” Peake said after the victory. “It’s one hell of a story, one hell of a moment.” His words captured the essence of what this victory meant to him – a chance at redemption, a new life, and the opportunity to pursue his passion.

Overcoming the Odds: From Prison to the Golf Course

Ryan Peake’s path to success has been anything but straightforward. After spending years involved in a motorcycle gang and serving time in prison, Peake’s future seemed uncertain. However, through the guidance of coach Ritchie Smith, who reached out to him while he was behind bars, Peake found a new sense of purpose. It was this moment that sparked the beginning of his journey to becoming a professional golfer.

Despite his promising early talent in golf, Peake’s life had been derailed by his association with the Rebels gang. His involvement in crime and violence led to his conviction, which saw him spend five years in prison. But it was in this dark period of his life that Peake found the motivation to turn things around.

Upon his release, Peake returned to the golf course, with Smith helping him refine his skills and focus on his future. He soon found himself competing on the Australasian Tour, facing new challenges both on and off the course. But Peake’s commitment to his new path remained unwavering, and his efforts paid off with a remarkable victory at the New Zealand Open.

“I always knew I could do it, it was just a matter of time when I was going to do it,” Peake reflected after his win. His determination and belief in his own abilities were central to his success.

The Importance of Belief and Focus

One of the key themes in Peake’s victory at the New Zealand Open was the role of belief and mental strength. He admitted that the win came down to “just belief” and that he had always known that he could accomplish something like this. His journey from prison to professional golf is a testament to the power of mental fortitude and focus.

“This is what I do now. I want to be here and just play golf,” Peake explained, emphasizing that his past was just that – the past. While his history and personal story are undeniably significant, Peake is now focused on one thing: his career in golf.

In the final round of the tournament, Peake was four shots behind and had to make a dramatic comeback to clinch victory. The ability to stay calm under pressure and focus on the task at hand is something Peake credits with helping him secure the win. “From this morning when I woke up four shots behind, to chase down a win,” Peake said, underscoring the importance of persistence and staying focused on the goal.

The Need for Clearance: A Legal Hurdle

While Peake’s victory is a major achievement, his past convictions present a legal hurdle that could affect his ability to participate in the upcoming Open Championship at Portrush. As a former prisoner with a criminal record, Peake will need clearance to travel to Northern Ireland for the prestigious tournament.

The Open Championship, which will take place from 17-20 July at Royal Portrush, is one of the most prestigious events in professional golf. For Peake, securing his spot in the tournament would be a massive opportunity to showcase his skills on the world stage. However, the legal complexities surrounding his past may present obstacles in his quest to compete.

Peake’s team is working with relevant authorities to ensure that he can travel to the UK and participate in the tournament. Given his history, obtaining clearance to travel is a necessary step for Peake, who is focused on continuing his golf career and proving his abilities on the international stage.

The Impact on Australian Golf

Peake’s story has had a profound impact on the Australian golfing community, inspiring many who may have faced similar hardships or struggles. His success at the New Zealand Open has brought attention to the potential of golfers from diverse backgrounds, proving that it is never too late to turn your life around.

Peake’s victory adds to the growing success of Australian golfers on the international stage. With his victory, he joins a long list of talented Australian golfers who have made a mark on global golf, including Jason Day, Adam Scott, and Marc Leishman. His success is a testament to the talent that exists within the Australian golfing scene, and Peake’s story is a reminder that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Looking Ahead: The Open and Beyond

With his victory at the New Zealand Open, Peake has qualified for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, a significant milestone in his career. However, the hurdles he faces in terms of obtaining clearance to travel add an extra layer of complexity to his journey. Nevertheless, Peake’s focus remains on what’s next, and he is committed to continuing his ascent in the world of professional golf.

As Peake looks to the future, he is aware that his journey is far from over. His victory in New Zealand is just the beginning of a new chapter in his career, and he is eager to prove himself on the world’s biggest stages. Whether or not he competes in the Open at Portrush, one thing is certain: Ryan Peake has proven that with hard work, belief, and determination, anything is possible.