Queenstown, New Zealand – Former Australian cycling gang member Ryan Peake turned his life around with golf, winning a spot at the British Open on Sunday when he won the 104th New Zealand Open Open.
The 31-year-old from Western Australia made a par putt on the 72nd hole to avoid falling into a four-way playoff with fellow Australians Jack Thompson, South Africa’s Ian Snyman and Japan’s Kazuki Higi, calling the victory a “life-changing”.
Peake, a member of the Australian rebel motorcycle gang, was 21 when he was sentenced to five years in prison. His approval for his trip to New Zealand was delayed due to his criminal record.
Peake trailed South Korea’s overnight leader Guntaek Koh and went into the final round of the Milbrook Resort in Queenstown for four strokes. He led the 67th hole for the first time, without bogey, and entered 55 holes.
“I just changed my life,” Pique said. “That’s what I’m going to do. I just want to play golf here.
“The story is it. But I’m just playing golf here.”
