Ryan Peake: Convicted ex-motorcycle gang member and prisoner qualifies for Open with win
Former Australian motorcycle gang member and prisoner Ryan Peake has been awarded this year’s Open in Protush after winning the New Zealand Open.
However, due to his conviction, the 31-year-old left-hander in Perth will need permission to travel to the match in Northern Ireland from July 17 to 20.
He is a 21-year-old rebel who is part of an illegal motorcycle gang and sentenced to five years in prison for a serious attack, but said focusing on golf has changed his life.
He said: “Yes, I have lost a word at the moment, (victory is) changing life.”
“It’s a hell, a hell, a moment.”
Peake is a promising golfer, contacted by coach Ritchie Smith in prison, who encouraged him to take over the club again after his release from custody.
Now a rookie on the Australian Tour, he almost missed the match in the Millbrook Resort course near Queenstown as his entry into New Zealand was postponed by immigration officials.
He arrived on Tuesday only before the first round of the event on Thursday, which was jointly approved by the Australian and Asian Tours.
Peake was almost bursting into tears as he celebrated with family and friends after a one-time victory, earning him $201,600 (£99,500).
He said victory boils down to “faith of justice,” adding: “I always knew I could do it, it’s just a matter of time when I’m going to do it.
“That’s what I’m going to do now. I want to play golf here. That’s the story, but I’m just playing golf here.
“From this morning, I woke up four shots behind and chased the victory. I never had the last group and now I’m a member of the Asian Tour.”
He cleared a shot from fellow countrymen Jack Thompson, South Africa Ian Snyman and Japan’s Kazuki Higa.
