July 01, (THEWILL) – When Peter Odemwingie retired from professional football in 2019, only a few people could have predicted his next move. The former English Premier League striker and Nigerian international had always been known for his unpredictability on the pitch, yet his latest career transition has taken many by surprise.
In a remarkable twist of plots, Odemwingie has traded the roar of the stadium for the quiet greens of the golf course, recently becoming a fully-fledged member of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).
Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, Odemwingie’s journey in sports began far from the manicured fairways of professional golf. His multicultural background provided a unique perspective that would serve him well throughout his career. Football was his first love, and it was on the pitch that he first made his mark.
Odemwingie’s football journey, which had taken seed in Moscow and Lagos, began in earnest with Bendel Insurance. His raw talent and explosive speed quickly caught the eye of European scouts, leading to a move to Belgian side La Louvière. It was here that he tasted his first major success, helping the club win the Belgian Cup in 2003 and earning a spot in the UEFA Cup.
His performances in Belgium were a springboard to bigger things. French club Lille came calling, and Odemwingie seized the opportunity with both hands. In the prestigious Ligue 1, he further honed his skills, becoming known for his technical ability and eye for goal. A memorable strike against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League helped Lille advance to the knockout stages, cementing his reputation as a big-game player.
The Russian Premier League was Odemwingie’s next destination, as he returned to Moscow to join Lokomotiv in 2007. Over three seasons, he found the back of the net 21 times, becoming a key figure for the Moscow club. However, it was his move to West Bromwich Albion in 2010 that truly catapulted him to stardom in the football world.
In the crucible of the EPL, Odemwingie thrived. His debut season for West Brom was nothing short of sensational, with 15 goals that quickly endeared him to the Baggies faithful. Despite a controversial transfer saga in 2013 that saw him drive to Queens Park Rangers on deadline day in an unsuccessful attempt to force a move, Odemwingie’s footballing abilities remained undeniable.
Spells at Cardiff City and Stoke City followed, with Odemwingie continuing to demonstrate his goal-scoring touch. His performances even earned him a recall to the Nigerian senior men’s national team, the Super Eagles, for the 2014 World Cup, adding to his impressive tally of 63 international caps.
As Odemwingie’s football career was reaching its twilight, a new passion was beginning to take root. During his time at West Brom, he was introduced to golf by his teammates. What started as a casual hobby soon became an obsession. The precision, the mental challenge, and the individual nature of the sport captivated Odemwingie in a way he had not experienced before.
“I started playing just at the end of my West Brom days because a few of the boys played, and I could see the excitement they had for it,” Odemwingie recalled. “They would go and play on a Tuesday after training, and they would have their golf gear and be talking about it, although I could not understand it because the golf vocabulary is so different to anything else.”
It was during a pre-season trip under Roy Hodgson that Odemwingie’s interest in golf truly ignited. At a golf resort, he found himself drawn to the driving range. “I was wearing slippers, yet I hit a few, and I loved the sound and watching the ball fly. I thought, ‘OK, there is something in this’,” he said.
As his football career wound down, Odemwingie’s passion for golf intensified. When he announced his retirement from professional football in 2019, many assumed he would follow the well-trodden path into coaching or punditry. Instead, Odemwingie surprised everyone by declaring his intention to pursue a career in golf.
This was not just a retirement hobby; Odemwingie approached his new passion with the same dedication and professionalism that had characterised his football career. He enlisted the help of Jak Hamblett, a PGA teaching professional at Calderfields Golf and Country Club, to guide him on his journey.
The path to becoming a PGA professional is not an easy one, even for a former EPL star. Odemwingie had to pass the Playing Ability Test, which requires shooting 15-over or better over 36 holes. It is a challenge that has thwarted many aspiring golf pros, yet Odemwingie’s determination saw him through. He passed the test at The Belfry, one of the UK’s most prestigious golf courses, marking a significant milestone in his golfing journey.
Passing the playing test was just the beginning. Odemwingie enrolled in a rigorous three-year PGA training program, which involved not just improving his playing skills but also learning about coaching, golf management and the business side of the sport. It was a far cry from the world of professional football, yet Odemwingie embraced the challenge with characteristic enthusiasm.
“I am proud because I challenged myself not only to apply effort in a sport but also academically,” Odemwingie reflected on his journey. “It is motivating being around people who have the drive to achieve and get this PGA Member badge on your chest!”
The transition was not always smooth. Odemwingie had to adapt to the solitary nature of golf after years in a team sport. “Now I am in a different sport, sometimes you can be lonely in golf — just you and your caddie, if you have one,” he noted. Nevertheless, he found strength in the camaraderie of the PGA community, describing it as a “family” that provided motivation and support.
Odemwingie’s Nigerian heritage played a crucial role in his journey. “My Nigerian spirit helped me persevere through the year two when there was a lot to do study-wise,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of the program. His resilience, honed through years of professional sport, saw him through the toughest times.
Odemwingie’s hard work paid off as he has now graduated as a full PGA member. The moment was captured in a video shared by the PGA, showing a beaming Odemwingie proudly wearing his new PGA badge. It was a far cry from the football trophies he once lifted, yet the sense of achievement was just as palpable.
For Odemwingie, becoming a PGA professional is just the beginning of a new chapter. He has set his sights on growing the sport in Nigeria and Russia, two countries with rich sporting traditions but limited golfing heritage. “These are very sporting nations, yet they do not have golfers representing them on the world stage, which is a shame,” he noted.
Odemwingie’s vision extends beyond just playing. He hopes to organise tournaments in Nigeria and explore opportunities to grow the game in countries like Kazakhstan. His status as a PGA Professional, he believes, will open doors and lend credibility to these ambitious plans.
Looking ahead, Odemwingie has not ruled out competitive play. “My eyes are on the senior tour in the future,” he said, referring to the over-50s competitions that have extended the careers of many golf pros. “This game offers us longevity and if you stay healthy you can play for a long time, as someone like Gary Player shows.”
Peter Odemwingie’s journey from football stardom to golf pro is more than just a career change – it is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the courage to pursue new dreams. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone considering a major life transition, proving that it is never too late to chart a new course.
In a world that often pigeonholes individuals based on their past achievements, Odemwingie’s reinvention challenges us to think differently about career paths and personal growth. He has shown that the skills and mental fortitude developed in one field can be successfully applied to another, given the right attitude and dedication.
As Odemwingie steps onto the golf course, not as a retired footballer trying his hand at a new sport, but as a fully qualified PGA professional, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of many who dare to imagine a second act in their own lives. His journey from the football pitch to the fairway is a powerful reminder that our potential is limited only by our imagination and our willingness to pursue new challenges.
In the end, Odemwingie’s story is not just about golf or football. It is about the human capacity for growth, change, and the relentless pursuit of passion. It is a narrative that transcends sport, inspiring us all to consider what new chapter could we write in our own lives.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
