From prison to pro golf: Ryan Peake’s incredible comeback leads to DP World Tour
Ryan Peake has completed one of golf’s most remarkable turnarounds, securing full playing rights on the DP World Tour after spending five years in prison as a former bike-gang member.
The 31-year-old West Australian used to compete against Cameron Smith as a promising amateur. But his life took a dramatic turn when he joined ‘The Rebels,’ an illegal biker gang, and was later jailed for serious assault in his early 20s.
That could have been the end of his golf story. But it wasn’t.
While behind bars, Peake got an unexpected call from renowned coach Ritchie Smith, who saw something worth saving in the talented lefty. Smith offered him a chance to restart his golf career after release.
He took it.
Earlier this year, Peake showed just how far he’d come by winning the New Zealand Open, earning a spot in the prestigious Open Championship.
“I’ve just changed my life,” Peake said simply. “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.”
His comeback keeps getting better. Peake just wrapped up second place in the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia’s Order of Merit, behind Elvis Smylie. That finish earned him full playing rights on the DP World Tour for next season.
“It just solidified why I came back to the game,” Peake said after finishing 10th at The National Tournament. “I’ve proved myself right in making the decision to come back and play.”
He wasn’t the only one celebrating. Anthony Quayle pulled off a clutch performance to grab the fifth and final tour card available. Trailing by three shots on the last hole, Quayle crushed a 235-yard two-iron to within eight feet of the pin.
“Just the shot itself is hard, but I think the circumstance might make that the best shot I’ve ever hit,” Quayle said.
The final Order of Merit standings saw Smylie on top, followed by Peake, Lucas Herbert, and Cameron Smith. All have secured their spots on the DP World Tour for next season.
For Peake, it’s just the beginning of his second chance in professional golf. From prison cell to professional tours – it’s the kind of comeback story that makes golf special.
