Peter Odemwingie’s, the former Premier League striker known for his successful spells at West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, and Cardiff City, has transitioned from football to becoming a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). The 43-year-old, who scored 36 league goals in the English top flight, is now chasing a new ambition: to play professionally in golf.
Reflecting on his football career and golf aspirations, Odemwingie explained,
“You have to have a dream and chase it, right? I’ll play in Q School, see how far I am off that mark. I’m going to play the Open qualifiers next year. It’s possible. I have the talent.”
Odemwingie’s love for golf developed during his time at Stoke City, where the camaraderie between teammates, including Peter Crouch, Glen Johnson, and Charlie Adam, centered around golf. He recalled how manager Mark Hughes would reward players with time off for a round of golf during overseas trips.
“The magic of golf brought us together. The camaraderie grew a lot in the dressing room,” Odemwingie said, citing how the team’s golfing bond translated into success on the football field.
Having retired from football in 2019, Odemwingie is embracing his competitive nature in golf, appreciating the longer career potential it offers.
“My competitive nature is fed, and the good thing about golf is I can play this for many years to come. My status as a sportsman is still there.”
Odemwingie’s journey into golf wasn’t straightforward. After his football career, he returned to school and spent four years studying at the University of Birmingham, graduating with a foundation degree in professional golf studies. Reflecting on the experience, he shared,
“It was a proud moment for me. On graduation day, seeing how everybody else was happy made me realise it took all of us some effort to get over the line.”
He admits that balancing the business side of golf proved challenging. “I didn’t give enough time to the business finance module. I had to re-sit. But then I had to obviously focus – as a striker, I see the target, I have to hit it!”
In addition to his golfing goals, Odemwingie is planning to further his education by studying for a UEFA coaching licence, with dreams of coaching at the international level.
“It will be a dream to coach my nations: Russia, Nigeria, England.”
Odemwingie’s passion for golf is also rooted in a desire to give back to his home country of Nigeria. He hopes to inspire future generations by introducing the sport to young Nigerians, envisioning a Nigerian golfer competing on the world stage, particularly in the Olympics.
“If I cannot play as a golfer, I can at least be in the team of a golfer who will play there,” he explained. His ambition is to establish a pipeline of talent that can one day represent Nigeria at the global level.
His ties to Olympic football also run deep, as Odemwingie was part of the Nigerian squad that won a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
“The medal is very well respected. It’s a way to sell the project to our state government.”
Odemwingie is actively promoting the sport in Nigeria, with plans to meet with officials and corporate entities to discuss the potential for golf tourism and the opportunities it offers young athletes.
“If we have more golf courses, there will be tourism. Kids can get scholarships in good countries. If somebody sees an opportunity, they can latch on to it and give themselves an amazing life.”
With future plans to open a golf and football academy in Benin City, Odemwingie is committed to growing the game of golf in Nigeria and providing local youth with the tools to succeed in both sports.
“It’s like any other sport. The earlier you start, you have a chance to become an elite.”
For Odemwingie, his dual sports journey is more than just about personal success—it’s about paving the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
“One of my dreams is to see a Nigerian flag on the European Tour or PGA Tour. Hopefully, my story will encourage people to start participating, encourage parents to take their kids and give them a feel of golf. I’m sure many of them will fall in love with the game just like I did.”
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