Ryan Peake, a former Rebels gang member who turned his life around through golf, booked his spot in the British Open field when he won the 104th New Zealand Open by a shot.

The 31-year-old Western Australian called the win “life-changing” after sinking an 8-foot par putt on the final hole to avoid a four-way playoff with countryman Jack Thompson, South African Ian Snyman and Japan’s Kazuki Higi.

His final-round 66 saw him finish at 23-under. He earned about $181,000 for winning.

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Peake had been a promising junior golfer and teammate of Cameron Smith before he was convicted of assault aged 21 and sentenced to five years in jail. He was a member of the outlawed Rebels gang in Australia.

His clearance to enter New Zealand was delayed by his criminal record, and he will need clearance to enter the UK to play in the Open, which will this year be held at Royal Portrush on the north coast of Northern Ireland.

After leaving jail, he returned to golf and began to rebuild his career with the help of leading coach Richie Smith and with the support of his family.

He received his Australasian tour card this season and this was his first professional win.

“I always knew I could do it but it was just a matter of when I was going to do it,” Peake said.

“Along with my family and my team everyone believed and most of all I believed as well.”

Peake trailed overnight leader Guntaek Koh of South Korea by four strokes heading into Sunday’s final round at Queenstown’s Milbrook Resort.

He played the last three rounds bogey-free and took the lead for the first time with six holes remaining.

“I’ve just changed my life,” Peake said. “This is what I do. I just want to be here and play golf.

“The story is what it is. But I’m just out here playing golf.”