Ex-motorcycle gang member reaches Open with win
Former Australian motorcycle gang member and prisoner Ryan Peake has qualified for this year’s Open at Portrush after winning the New Zealand Open.
However, because of his conviction, the 31-year-old left-hander from Perth will need clearance to travel to the tournament, which takes place in Northern Ireland from 17-20 July.
As a 21-year-old he was part of an outlawed motorcycle gang, the Rebels, and was sentenced to five years in prison for a serious assault, but says that focusing on golf has turned his life around.
A promising golfer in his youth, Peake was contacted in prison by coach Ritchie Smith, who encouraged him to take up the clubs again after his release from custody.
Now a rookie on the Australasian Tour, he almost missed the tournament at the Millbrook Resort course near Queenstown after his entry to New Zealand was delayed by immigration officials.
He only arrived on Tuesday before Thursday’s opening round of the event, which was co-sanctioned by the Australasian and Asian Tours.
Peake was close to tears as he celebrated with family and friends after the one-shot victory, which earned him Aus$201,600 (£99,500). Read More
He finished one shot clear of compatriot Jack Thompson, South African Ian Snyman and Japan’s Kazuki Higa.
