Former Super Eagles striker Peter Odemwingie has successfully transitioned from football to golf after graduating from the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) academy.
Odemwingie, who represented Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and scored against Bosnia, always had a keen interest in golf during his playing days. Now, he has decided to take it a step further by turning professional in the sport.
The 42-year-old completed his training at the PGA academy, passed the course, and received his badge, marking the beginning of his new career as a professional golfer.
Transition to golf for the former Super Eagles star
Odemwingie expressed his excitement about the prospect of playing another sport professionally.
“I am really proud of myself and all my friends who graduated today as well,” he said. “It has been a long journey. I fell in love with the game and played lots of pro-ams as an amateur.
“I come from a football background and had a decent career in a team sport. Now, I am in a different sport.
“Sometimes, golf can be lonely—just you and your caddie, if you have one. But the PGA feels like a family. Seeing what PGA professionals enjoy, the opportunity came when my game became as good as an average pro's.
“I passed the playing ability test, was accepted into the program, and was excited then, just as I am today, graduating.”
New beginning for Peter Odemwingie
The former West Bromwich Albion striker, who also played for Lokomotiv Moscow, Lille, and Stoke City, highlighted the additional competencies he gained through the PGA program.
“Apart from refining my golf skills, I learned other life skills that will come in handy in the sport and family life in general. It is motivating to be around people who have the drive to achieve and earn this badge. We learned so many life skills that, at my age, are still beneficial.”
It made me a better person in general, not just in coaching. We completed level two, which was the most exciting part for me, and also learned presentation skills.
“There is so much you can learn from this. It is something I can share with my kids. When they are teenagers, they can decide if they want to follow in Daddy’s footsteps.”
Born in Uzbekistan to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother, Odemwingie played 65 times for Nigeria, scoring 11 goals.
He also played 11 times for the U23 side and was part of Nigeria’s silver medal-winning team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
