Following his retirement from professional football in 2019, Peter Odemwingie shifted his focus to another sport, dedicating his time to sharpening his skills for a new athletic endeavor.
The enigmatic former football star gained notoriety during his tenure at West Bromwich Albion, notably for his controversial attempt to transfer to Queens Park Rangers in 2013 without a formal agreement between the clubs. It was during his days at West Brom that Odemwingie discovered a passion for golf, embarking on a journey that culminated in him achieving professional status as a PGA Member in May.
With aspirations set on the Senior Tour, Odemwingie aims to carve a niche for himself as a dual-sport icon, aiming to popularize golf in the countries of his heritage, Nigeria and Russia, where he first ventured into the world of football.
Odemwingie’s eclectic football career began with Bendel Insurance in the Nigerian Premier League, despite his roots in Russia. Transitioning through clubs like La Louvière, Lille, and Lokomotiv Moscow, he eventually made his mark at West Brom, where he enjoyed a prolific debut season, setting records as the club’s leading Premier League goal-scorer.
His subsequent stints at Cardiff City and Stoke City saw mixed fortunes, with injuries curtailing his impact on the pitch. Despite brief spells at Bristol City and Rotherham United, Odemwingie’s true calling in golf now beckons, symbolizing a new chapter in his athletic journey.
Former West Brom star Odemwingie retired five years ago after playing for Madura United in Indonesia, scoring 15 goals in his final season, the best of his career. Surprising West Brom and Stoke fans with his career switch, he transitioned to professional golf, inspired by a pre-season golfing experience provided by Roy Hodgson. Having completed a degree at the University of Birmingham, Odemwingie is now a PGA member, pursuing a promising career in golf at the age of 42.
