Ex Premier League striker Odemwingie qualifies as PGA Professional

Peter Odemwingie, a former Nigeria international and Premier League striker, has recently achieved a significant milestone in his post-football career. Despite retiring from football six years ago, Odemwingie has successfully qualified as a PGA Professional.

In 2018, he announced his membership in the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and was fortunate enough to secure a spot for training under the University of Birmingham Foundation's degree in professional golf studies. This opportunity allowed him to not only excel in the sport but also pursue academic growth.

Expressing his pride, Odemwingie shared his journey with the PGA website, hoping to inspire others to follow suit, whether through the PGA or any other educational pursuit. His interest in golf began towards the end of his West Brom days when he noticed the enthusiasm his teammates had for the sport. Intrigued, he decided to give it a try.

During a pre-season training trip with West Brom, their coach Roy Hodgson took them to a golf resort where he witnessed people engaging in putting and playing full rounds on their days off.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to join in, even though he was only wearing slippers at the time. To his surprise, he enjoyed the experience immensely, particularly the sound and sight of the ball soaring through the air.

This encounter sparked Odemwingie's interest in golf, and he realized that there was something special about the sport. The challenge of earning PGA Membership has given him a renewed sense of purpose, and he is grateful for the guidance and mentorship provided by head Pro Jak Hamblett and others along the way.

Overall, Odemwingie's journey from football to professional golf serves as a testament to his determination and willingness to explore new avenues. His story is a source of motivation for others, encouraging them to pursue their passions and embrace opportunities for growth and learning.

He added, "At 42 years old, it feels like I've been transported back to my teenage years. It's truly a blessing because I can set aside my past and focus on this new journey in a sport that I love."

"I saw myself as a young child again, attending two classes during a residential week in England with mostly younger individuals."

"For the past few years, my studies have taken priority, but now that I've graduated, I have the opportunity to make a difference. I hope to receive support to organize tournaments in Nigeria with substantial prize money."

Odemwingie was born in Uzbekistan to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father. He began his football career with Nigerian topflight team Bendel Insurance before moving to La Louviere in 2004.

Impressive stints in France and Russia, playing for Lille and Lokomotiv Moscow respectively, garnered interest from Premier League clubs.

In 2010, he joined West Bromwich Albion, where he scored 30 goals in 87 appearances in the top-flight league and earned the Player of the Month award three times (September 2010, April 2011, and February 2012).

After a notorious incident on the 2013 transfer deadline day, where he attempted to orchestrate a move to Queens Park Rangers, Odemwingie left West Bromwich Albion under a cloud.

Subsequently, he played for Cardiff City, Stoke City, and Rotherham United before leaving English football to join Indonesian top-flight team Madura in 2017.

On the international stage, he represented the Super Eagles in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2004, 2006, 2008, and as captain in 2010).

In 2008, he was selected as an overage player for the Nigerian team that won the silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Odemwingie also participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, scoring the crucial goal against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Brazil, which secured Nigeria's progression to the Round of 16.