Former jailed bikie seals crazy redemption with stunning $1.8m golf triumph

Former bikie gang member Ryan Peake has won the $1.8 million New Zealand Open, capping off a remarkable redemption story.

Australian former bikie gang member Ryan Peake has won the $1.8 million New Zealand Open, capping a remarkable redemption story.

The 31-year-old was as cool as ice to nail a ten foot putt for a maiden professional victory. Had he two-putted, it would have forced a four-man playoff.

Peake, who held a solo lead entering the final round, carded a -5, 66 on Sunday to finish the tournament with -23, one shot clear of three golfers on -22.

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Importantly, a New Zealand Open win gives Peake an exemption into The Open Championship on July 17.

“Relief. I’m lost for words for the moment. It’s life-changing,” Peake said choking back tears moments after his clutch tournament-winning putt.

Peake referenced Aussie young gun Elvis Smylie, who won his first two professional tournaments late last year, including the Australian PGA Championship. Peake and Smylie share the same coach.

“I always knew I could do it, it was just a matter of time. Elvis Smylie was in a similar predicament not very long ago and our coach said it’s just a matter of time,” Peake said.

Ryan Peake celebrates famous NZ Open win.

“My family, my team, everyone believed.”

“I want to be here and play golf. The story is what it is but I’m just out here playing golf.”

Peake received a delayed clearance to travel to New Zealand because of his criminal record, only arriving at the South Island destination on Tuesday evening ahead of a Thursday morning tee-off.

Peake’s win is another remarkable achievement for the Australian given the direction his life took a decade ago. He even spent time in jail for assault.

A member of outlawed motorcycle club the Rebels at the time, Peake was found guilty of serious assault as a 21-year-old and sentenced to five years in prison.

Ryan Peake joined the Rebels.

Ryan Peake joined the Rebels.

He told journalists on Friday that golf became a focal point in a bid to turn his fortunes around and leave behind a “young and stupid” lifestyle.

Peake thanked immigration officials in Australia and New Zealand after eventually being granted a travel visa, something he will require for all offshore tournaments.

A rookie on the Australasian Tour, he is ranked 21st on the order of merit following a string of consistent results.

Asked on Saturday to reflect on his past, the burly, tattooed golfer said the final round was the focus.

Ryan Peake completed his redemption. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

“I’ll reflect on all that sort of stuff after the tournament but in the meantime I’m mid-tournament going into a final round,” Peake said.

“Just go out there tomorrow, just stick with what I’m doing. Don’t try and chase anyone down and just do a good job of what I’m doing and the by-product of that will be a win if I do a good job.”

The New Zealand Open is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

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Originally published as Former jailed bikie seals crazy redemption with stunning $1.8m golf triumph