Former Nigerian international, Peter Odemwingie has explained his motivation to switch to golf. The 43-year-old recently got accredited as professional golfer.
He explained that it was all towards the development of Nigeria on the global stage, and Nigerian is under-represented in golf. Odemwingie also mentioned that this is his minimal quota to the Nigerian golfing scene.
“Somebody has to do it. You know, we are all contributing to development of our country. We want to make Nigeria proud on every level. So, there is another sport called golf, and I think we are underrepresented in the world. Nigerians have no tour players on this level. So, as we know, everything starts from step by step. Somebody has to get this PGA membership, get the coaching license so we can raise a generation of golfers. So, my contribution minimal will be on that”, the former forward said.
He also mentioned that he personally loves the game and desires to play at a high level, adding his hopes to become a pioneer in the sport, and make it a more common sport here in Nigeria.
“And on personal terms, I love the game. Just genuine passion for golf made me give my best to get to a professional level, which I achieved. So, I hope I will be the pioneer of the game and bring it home and make it available more because it’s an elitist sport in the past, but it’s becoming more accessible to the common man, let’s use that term, even here in Europe. So, the knock-on effect from the richer countries in the world. It will get to the poorer nations”, Odemwingie added.
The 43-year-old further mentioned that he is being ‘proactive’ about the sport, and he hopes to inspire the upcoming generation to develop interest in the sport.
“So, somebody has to be proactive doing something. So, I started doing my own, building my own empire of golf. So hopefully I motivate Nigerian children or parents to help their children to make first steps in golf, whether it be in Europe, America, or back home in Nigeria. So, I’m doing my bit”, Osaze said.
