Ryan Peake’s journey to professional golf is anything but ordinary. The 31-year-old Australian just punched his ticket to The Open Championship after winning the New Zealand Open on Sunday—an incredible feat considering that just five years ago, he was sitting in a prison cell.
Peake wasn’t always walking the fairways. In his early 20s, he was a member of the notorious Rebels motorcycle gang and found himself on the wrong side of the law. At 21, he was convicted of assault and sentenced to five years behind bars. At the time of his conviction, he had been a teammate of Cameron Smith, who went on to win the title of Champion Golfer of the Year in 2022.
After serving his time, Peake decided to take another shot at the game he once loved. With the help of top golf coach Richie Smith, he worked his way back into the sport and onto the professional circuit.
His hard work paid off in 2025 when he earned his Australasian tour card, and now, he’s officially a champion. Sunday’s win marked his first professional victory, and with it, he secured his place in one of golf’s most prestigious events.
“I always knew I could do it but it was just a matter of when I was going to do it,” Peake said after his victory. “Along with my family and my team everyone believed and most of all I believed as well.”
Going from a motorcycle gang to The Open Championship is about as dramatic a life turnaround as you can get. Not everyone gets a second chance, and Peake has made the most of his, proving that redemption stories aren’t just for the movies.
One hell of a ride for Ryan Peake—now let’s see what he can do on golf’s biggest stage.