From the Football pitch to the fairway: Odemwingie’s new dream

Peter Odemwingie, once a Premier League star and Nigerian international, is embracing a fresh challenge in professional golf. The 43-year-old, who netted 36 league goals during his career with West Brom, Stoke City, and Cardiff City, is now a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).

Odemwingie, known for his clinical finishing, likens the finesse of football to the precision required in golf. “The weight of a pass in football is like the control needed for a putt in golf,” he explains.

Having fallen for the sport during his Stoke days, Odemwingie credits golf with rekindling his competitive spirit.

His journey hasn’t been without effort. After retiring from football in 2019, Odemwingie spent four years at the University of Birmingham, earning a foundation degree in professional golf studies.

“Graduation was a proud moment,” he says, reflecting on the hard work that included overcoming struggles with business finance.

With ambitions to play in Open qualifiers and on the PGA Tour, Odemwingie’s sights are set high. Beyond golf, he plans to pursue a Uefa coaching license, aiming to guide national teams in Nigeria, Russia, or England.

From striker to golfer, Odemwingie’s story is one of reinvention, proving that the drive to succeed transcends disciplines. “You have to have a dream and chase it,” he says, a mantra that continues to fuel his ambitions.