Peter Odemwingie has become a PGA professional after retiring from football.
He stopped playing football in 2018, having scored 118 goals for nine clubs and represented Nigeria in two World Cups. His love for golf began at West Bromwich Albion, where he saw his teammates’ excitement for the game.
During a pre-season trip with West Brom, Roy Hodgson took the team to a golf resort. Odemwingie tried hitting some balls while wearing slippers and loved it . He then started taking lessons and bought his first set of clubs.
Speaking to the PGA, he said: “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. They would go and play on a Tuesday after training, and they’d have their golf gear and be talking about it, but I couldn’t understand it because the golf vocabulary is so different to anything else.”
From Football Boots to Golf Clubs
After retiring from football in 2018, Odemwingie announced in 2020 that he was ready to make waves as a golfer. He began his PGA training with hopes of turning professional.
Fans might think it’s amazing how athletes can switch sports so successfully!
Odemwingie passed his playing test at The Belfry and competed on tours like Clutch Tour (formerly PGA EuroPro Tour), Jamega Tour, and TP Tour. In addition to this practical experience, he graduated from the University of Birmingham.
Reflecting on his journey, Odemwingie shared: “I’m proud because I challenged myself not only to apply effort in a sport but also academically.” He added that many people quit halfway through due to its difficulty but credited his perseverance from football days for helping him push through tough times.
Peter proves it’s never too late to start your journey with the PGA! Peter Odemwingie is best known for playing top-level football, scoring over 30 Premier League goals for West Bromwich Albion and representing Cardiff City and Stoke City. He has played in two World Cups… https://twitter.com/ThePGA/status/1805616300191801434
Looking ahead
Odemwingie’s next steps include focusing on coaching while eyeing senior tour golf once he turns 50 in July 2031. “I have all the books ready,” he said about preparing for coaching qualifications. He’s taking a year off to study before pursuing an honors degree at Birmingham University next September.
“My eyes are on the senior tour in future,” he stated confidently. “This game offers us longevity if you stay healthy.”
What do you think about Peter’s new career?
