Former West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie’s ambition pays off in golf career

Back in September, the Express & Star revealed the Nigerian international was about to embark a new sporting adventure.

The forward announced he was taking his first steps into the world of golf – and he has now qualified as a PGA professional coach.

To achieve his goal, Odemwingie teamed up with with Baggies fan and teaching professional Jak Hamblett who is based at Calderfields Golf and Country Club, in Walsall.

As well as meeting a certain standard on the course, the 38-year-old also had to sit and pass a Playing Ability Test. Odemwingie came through that exam with flying colours.

And he reveale he has now decided to go into coaching after being inspired by American golf instructor Butch Harmon.

“I was playing for West Brom,” Odemwingie said when asked when he first became interested in golf.

“I had played for Lille, in France, and Lokomotiv Moscow and there was never talk of golf in the dressing room.

“Then all of a sudden I saw the boys excited because they were talking about golf.

“On one pre-season we want to America and I saw some of the boys hitting balls. I was wearing slippers but I asked if I could try.

“I thought ‘OK’ and it grew from there.

“The coach has such an important role to play, with Butch Harmon you can see there is more to coaching then knowing the game.

“His voice, the way he talks, he guides them as a father figure as well.

“When he talks about Rickie Fowler, he identifies his needs.

“The way he talks you can see there is more of an effect there, not just as a coach but as a person.

“That is why he has been so successful and I will be looking into his way more.”