Peter Odemwingie swings into golf after hanging up football boots

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Former Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie has traded his boots for clubs, embarking on a new career as a professional golfer six years after retiring from football.

Odemwingie, 42, enjoyed a decorated career that included representing Nigeria at two World Cups and the 2008 Olympics. He also carved a name for himself in the Premier League, notably scoring 30 goals for West Bromwich Albion.

While at West Brom, Odemwingie discovered a passion for golf, initially picking up the sport after seeing his teammates’ enthusiasm. This casual interest blossomed into a serious pursuit, leading him to pursue professional PGA qualifications.

“I started playing just at the end of my West Brom days,” Odemwingie told the PGA. “They had so much excitement for it… I couldn’t understand it because the golf vocabulary is so different. Then, on a pre-season trip, I saw people playing and thought I’d try. I was wearing slippers, but I hit a few balls, and I loved the sound and watching the ball fly.

The former striker scored 118 goals for nine different clubs in 414 total appearances, with 11 goals in 62 games for Nigeria.