Ryan Peake, former member of an illegal motorcyclist gang that served five years in prison for assault, recorded 66 blows (five under-park) to win the 104th edition of New Zealand Open on Sunday (2).
The Australian, released in 2019, ended the four days of the tournament with 23 Under-PAR (261 blows) in the combined field of Millbrook Resort, winning his first title in the debut by the Australian PGA Tour (which included region of Australia, New Zealand and nearby islands).
A Birdie in the 17th hole, preceded by a putt Eagle accurately calculated, he removed the southpaw from a quadruple draw with compatriot Jack Thompson (63), South African Ian Snyman (66) and Japanese Higa Kazuki (66).
Peake kept calm in the last hole to bury a putt With a six-foot pair, ensuring the winner of the $ 1.12 million event winner, co-based by Asian Tour, and a place at this year’s British Open in Royal Portrush.
“It changed my life,” said the 31 -year -old tattooed athlete, who released a celebration cry when he saw the ball fall. “I always knew I was capable. It was a matter of time. My coach, family and team believed. But above all, I believed it too. Now, that’s what I do: I want to be here and play golf. My story is what it is, but I’m here to compete. ”
Promising in youth, Peake left the tracks by leaving the sport in the late adolescence and joining the Rebels Club, considered a criminal organization by the Australian government. His rehabilitation began in prison when coach Ritchie Smith encouraged him to resume the clubs after the release.
Peake’s arrival Queenstown was almost postponed due to the bureaucracy to travel with his criminal history, but he surpassed the lack of training at the scene. “Just being here, I was winning. It was one weight less, one more visa in the passport, ”he joked.
Thompson, Snyman and Kazuki divided second place (22 Under-PAR), while South Korean Koh Gun-Taek, leader for four strokes before the final round, was fifth (21 under).
