Australian golfer Ryan Peake captured his maiden professional title at the 104th New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort, finishing with an impressive 23-under-par performance to claim the prestigious Brodie Breeze Trophy.
The 31-year-old Western Australian sealed his one-stroke victory with a clutch putt on the final hole, unleashing an emotional fist pump that delighted the large gallery surrounding the 18th green. His triumph came after a tense finish, as the trio of Australia’s Jack Thompson, Japan’s Kazuki Higa, and South Africa’s Ian Snyman all finished at 22-under-par, anxiously watching as Peake navigated the final hole.
Peake’s victory marks a remarkable personal transformation. Once a member of the Rebels motorcycle gang, he was sentenced to five years in prison in 2014 for a serious assault committed when he was 21. During his incarceration, the left-hander—who once weighed 130kg—found redemption through golf following his release, ultimately rebuilding his life and achieving professional success at the highest level.
