Ice in his veins. Ryan Peake held his lead and drained a must-make ten-footer to dodge a four-man playoff, clinching his first pro win at 23-under. Along with the trophy, he punched his ticket to The Open—if he gets the all-clear to travel.

“Relief. I’m lost for words at the moment. It’s life-changing,” Peake said, holding back tears after his winning putt. His journey has been anything but easy. Despite his talent, travel restrictions have been a recurring hurdle. In fact, he almost didn’t make it to New Zealand at all—his visa approval was delayed, and he only arrived just in time for the tournament. Now, as he sets his sights on The Open, the same challenge looms over him. Now, the same challenge awaits as he prepares for The Open.

Golf has always been full of surprises, but Ryan Peake’s story is one that truly stands out. It’s not just about new policies or last-minute victories—it’s about a man who turned his life around through the game.

Though little is known about Peake’s parents and early education, as a junior, he showed serious promise on the golf course. Once a top amateur in Western Australia, he traded birdies for bad decisions, joining the Rebels motorcycle gang. At 21, prison bars replaced fairways after a serious assault conviction. For many, that’s the final chapter—but Peake’s story was just teeing off.

Behind bars, the golf alchemist, Ritchie Smith reignited Peake’s buried passion, offering a lifeline. Upon his 2019 release, Peake didn’t just seek redemption—he earned it. Grinding his way back, he shocked the golf world in 2025 with a New Zealand Open win, securing his spot at The Open. But his greatest victory isn’t on the course—it’s mentoring at-risk youth, proving the past doesn’t have to dictate the future. Peake didn’t just get a second shot—he’s making it count.

Where does Ryan Peake see his future?

Ryan Peake has often talked about his connection with Elvis Smylie, one of Australia’s rising golf stars. Smylie also had his fair share of struggles before breaking through with his first professional wins. The two share the same coach, who always reminded Peake that success was just a matter of time.

“I always knew I could do it, it was just a matter of time,” Peake said. “My family, my team, everyone believed.” For him, golf isn’t just a sport—it’s his second chance. His past may always follow him, but he’s determined to let his game define him.“I want to be here and play golf. The story is what it is, but I’m just out here playing golf,” he stated.

Currently ranked 21st on the Australasian Tour Order of Merit, Peake has been steadily making a name for himself. His New Zealand Open victory is a major milestone, but he knows the journey doesn’t stop here.

Now, with a spot at The Open Championship, he’s stepping onto golf’s biggest stage. The question is, can he keep the momentum going? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!