Ryan Peake’s journey to victory at the New Zealand Open was nothing short of cinematic. The Australian lefthander sank a 10-foot par putt on the final hole at Millbrook Golf Resort, avoiding a playoff and clinching his first professional title. His triumph not only marks a stunning comeback in his personal and professional life but also earns him a coveted spot at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush later this year.
A Hollywood Ending on the 18th Green
Peake carded a five-under-par 66 in the final round, finishing at 23-under for the tournament. His flawless putting under pressure edged out Asian Tour contenders Jack Thompson (63), Kazuki Higa (66), and Ian Snyman (66), who all finished just one shot behind.
![Ryan Peake lifts the Brodie Breeze Trophy after his stunning victory at the New Zealand Open. [photo credit: Steve McArthur/www.photosport.nz]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/250302Round4NZOpen_103-scaled.jpg)
The turning point came on the par-five 17th, where Peake rolled in a clutch birdie after an incredible lag putt from 30 feet. On the final hole, he found himself off the green after his tee shot, leaving him with a difficult chip. He played it cautiously, leaving himself a nerve-wracking 10-footer for par, which he calmly drained to seal the biggest win of his career.
From Prison to the Winner’s Circle
Peake’s victory is not just about golf—it’s a story of redemption. At 21 years old, he was sentenced to five years in prison for assault as a member of the Rebels motorcycle gang. His golf career, once full of promise, seemed over. However, while serving his sentence, renowned coach Ritchie Smith saw his potential and reached out, giving him a second chance in the sport.
Fast forward a decade, and Peake’s persistence has led him to this incredible moment. Overcoming visa issues just to compete in New Zealand, he arrived late in the week but proved that his resilience was as strong as his golf game.
“I’ve just changed my life,” Peake said. “This is what I do. I want to be here and just play golf. The story is what it is, but I’m just out here playing golf.”
Breaking Records and Earning a Major Championship Spot
With this victory, Peake becomes:
✔ The first left-handed player to win the New Zealand Open since Sir Bob Charles in 1973
✔ The newest qualifier for The Open Championship, thanks to the Open Qualifying Series
✔ A golfer who played his final 55 holes without a bogey, showcasing remarkable consistency under pressure
Leaderboard Standings – New Zealand Open 2025
| Position | Player | Score | Final Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Peake | -23 | 66 |
| T2 | Jack Thompson | -22 | 63 |
| T2 | Kazuki Higa | -22 | 66 |
| T2 | Ian Snyman | -22 | 66 |
| 5 | Guntaek Koh | -21 | 72 |
| 6 | Bai Zhengkai | -19 | 68 |
| 7 | John Catlin | -18 | 64 |
| T8 | Taichi Kho | -17 | 64 |
Peake’s victory also highlights the strong presence of the Asian Tour, with seven of the top eight finishers representing the circuit.
What’s Next?
Peake now shifts his focus to The Open Championship, where he will test himself against the world’s best at Royal Portrush. Meanwhile, the Asian Tour continues with the International Series Macau in three weeks, where many of today’s contenders will tee it up again.
For Peake, this win is more than just a title—it’s proof that second chances exist, and redemption is possible. From a prison sentence to lifting the Brodie Breeze Trophy, his story is one of the most inspiring in modern golf.
