Ryan Peake achieved a dramatic victory in the New Zealand Open, presented by Sky Sport, completing a remarkable comeback story reminiscent of Hollywood. The Australian left-hander secured his win by sinking a crucial 10-foot par putt on the par-three 18th hole, narrowly avoiding a playoff with Asian Tour regulars Jack Thompson, Kazuki Higa, and Ian Snyman.
Peake's courageous putt capped off a final round of five-under-par 66, finishing at 23-under at Millbrook Golf Resort in Queenstown. Thompson shot a 63, while Higa and Snyman both scored 66s in an event co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the Asian Tour, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour.
Korea's Guntaek Koh, who led by four at the start of the day, ended in fifth place after a disappointing 72. Thompson and Snyman, playing ahead of Peake, missed birdie putts on the last hole that would have tied them with Peake at 23-under.
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Peake's journey to victory was marked by a birdie on the par-five 17th, following a brilliant lag putt from 30 feet. His past includes a five-year prison sentence for assault at age 21, during which he was encouraged by coach Ritchie Smith to return to competitive golf. Despite visa issues that delayed his arrival in New Zealand until Tuesday evening, Peake persevered.
"I've changed my life," Peake said. "This is what I do. I want to be here and just play golf. I always knew I could do it; it was just a matter of time."
Peake becomes the first left-hander to win the New Zealand Open since Sir Bob Charles in 1973 and earns a spot in this year's Open Championship at Royal Portrush. He remained bogey-free for his final 55 holes, having dropped only two shots in the first round. His victory was sealed after he held his nerve on the 18th hole, overcoming a challenging chip to secure the Brodie Breeze Trophy.