It is a known fact that golf is looking up in Nigeria in recent time particularly with the emergence of 16-year-old Georgia Oboh, who has continued to inspire a lot of young people with her performance locally and internationally. Oboh, a formerstudent of golf academy in Manchester, United Kingdom (U.K.), has continued to put Nigeria on the world map since she became the 2015 U.S. Kids Golf Teen World champion.
In recent time, the teenage sensation has claimed three national titles in a row despite still being an amateur. Already, Oboh has been given a wildcard as the first Nigerian to compete in the golf event of the 2018 World Youth Olympic Games holding in Argentina and with a target of making it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan.
Georgia Oboh might be a very shy person but on golf course, she roars and this aptly depicts her as the new golf’s golden girl who has continued to shine within and outside Nigeria.
At 16, Oboh has traversed the world honing her skills against the world’s best in the trade and becoming a role model for a lot of young Nigerians ; and this has shown in her efforts to promoting golf in private and public schools in Lagos State.
She has featured in Ladies Professional Golfers Association of America (LPGA) tournaments across the globe and has continued to receive invitation to attend major competitions across the globe. It was her inroad in the sport that prompted the organisers of the annual 3e Actuaries Open in Equatorial Guinea to invite her for the 2017 edition amidst an array of stars from 34 nations.
She is one of the most highly rated female golfers from Africa at 16. A junior member of the lkoyi Golf Club, who made history last year as the youngest, first girl of African origin to be invited to participate either as an amateur or professional in an LPGA tournament, Oboh in an interview with OLALEKAN OKUSAN says she is inching closer to her dream. Read on…
Recalling how her romance with golf began, Oboh said: “My parents began playing golf when I was four years old; I started taking lessons when I was six. A few months later, I began competing at a local and regional level (in rain, wind or cold almost every weekend in the UK). Starting with the British Junior Golf tour at seven, I was given the handicap of 36. “But it all really took off when I was named junior golfer of the year in 2008 by the BJGT and also that year I watched the British Ladies Open with my parents and got a ball from the then ladies number-one player Lorena Ochoa. I really got motivated that day to be the best player that I can be in the sport.”
Despite attending several classes to hone her skills, Oboh still relies on the technical input of his father – Godfrey.
“I began taking lessons at – Brocket Hall Golf Club in Hertfordshire, England. From there I have had several coaches in multiple countries but ultimately my father taught me the great game of golf and continues to do so till date. He knows me better than anyone and so I trust that he has my best interests at heart,” she said.
For the 2017 Discovery of the Year, golf is unique: “The individuality makes golf unique because you do not directly play against other competitors;instead, you play against the golf course, the weather in such instances and more importantly yourself. In golf, your mind can become your worst enemy- especially at crucial times including pressured situations over the course of a round or over the course of the tournament.”
Recalling her greatest moment so far, Oboh said: “Winning the U.S. Kids Teen World Championship (Girls 14) remains my greatest moment and it was a turning point in my career. It showed me that through hard work, grit, determination and by the grace of God, I can reach my full potential and become a successful professional golfer. If I truly apply myself, work hard and pray, I can achieve my goals.”
Despite the bumps, Oboh is not deterred. “There was no time I wanted to quit because of challenges and like any sport, it is a continuous journey with many setbacks, roadblocks and otherwise delays. God has never let me down and I know that success lies in the road ahead. I thank God, for my journey as I continue to thrive for perfection but settle for excellence,” she enthused.
Having honed her skills in Europe, Oboh never had any thought of abandoning her country. “I am a Nigerian with strong family ties, it is only just and right that I represent my homeland, the great nation – Nigeria. Whether you are Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani or in my case Esan from Edo State, you are a Nigerian. Though our cultures and traditions differ we are united by our strength in adversity, we thrive against the odds. I pray that, Nigeria will one day be seen as a pillar of Africa and the stronghold of West Africa.”
She added: “I see my representing Nigeria has an opportunity to inform people about Nigeria and uplift the status of the nation. This is the time that Nigerians should stand tall and be proud of their roots. We are still a ‘developing’ country but we can use that as the driving force to a much brighter future for the generations to come.”
On how golf has shaped her life, she said: “Golf has done so many things for me and most notably organisation, perseverance and time management. In terms of organisation, you must organise everything golf-related like clubs, clothes to prepare for practice and play effectively. Perseverance, you must work hard despite possible setbacks and delays to preserve and achieve great things as a result of your hard work and for time management in terms of split between school, golf and family. I plan in advance not to be overwhelmed with my many commitments.”
The teenage cannot underestimate the crucial roles played her parents. “My parents are playing a huge role because they push me to be my very best while maintaining a balance between golf and life. They guide and advise me through the major decisions in my golfing career and life in general. I am grateful for all their sacrifices, time, energy and money, I am truly blessed to have them as parents.
“I have never been under any pressure to win any tournament because my parents understand that I can only do my best and pray that God sees me through all the troubles that may follow. I see every tournament as an opportunity to grow and learn as life is a continuous never ending journey. Winning, will come but I cannot just win and then stop working. I must master my chosen sport, if I wish to succeed at the highest level.
“The journey will be rough with setbacks along the way but God will guide you every step of the way. So keep pushing through with the determination and plan to succeed, let God guide you through the tough decisions and choices that may lie ahead. You must understand that God has great plans for you and your family. Most important, ‘God’s test is your testimony. Don’t give up. In golf, I have leant a lot of life lessons and the most profound being patience. Patience can allow you to thrive even in the worst of the circumstances because it is virtue that is an integral part of golf and life. Wait and do not be in a rush as God has set his divine plan in motion for all of us. God runs on no time, He is time.”
She, however, admitted that golf is an expensive sport but with sheer dedication one can surmount this. “The major costs are golf equipment – clubs, balls and gloves; in addition to golf course membership. The cost of golf equipment and other necessities does not prevent anyone from playing the game of golf. If someone wishes to play golf, then they must dedicate some of their time and energy to do so but money has not hindered people regardless of background, dedication has.
Continuing she said: “Golf is unique, where by someone does not need to possess a certain skill or a high level of athletics ability in order to play. I am of the belief, that golf is a life-long sport and a family sport that can be enjoyed by all.”
For Oboh, wearing the colours of Nigeria at the 2018 African Youth Games and Youth Olympic Games is an honour. “What an honour and privilege it is to represent Nigeria on the worldwide platform of golf. The Youth Olympic Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event. As for the African Youth Games, it is Africa’s premier sporting event and I am happy to be part of the Nigeria team to compete against Africa’s toughest junior players.”
On her dream, she said: “I want to be at the top by the grace of God. Becoming the number one female professional golfer in the world and I plan to inspire Nigerians and Africans to achieve their dreams and pushing past the adversity we face as Africans. I want to win all 5 majors and become the first African to do so. Participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and by the grace of God receive the gold medal. I will dream big but always keep my feet on the ground.”
Oboh targets 2018 to turn professional. “I intend to turn professional at the end of 2018 and I plan to end my amateur career in a fitting fashion by competing in the Youth Olympic Games among other top amateur events. From there, I will attempt to qualify for the LPGA Tour via the Qualifying School Series. Earn full exempt status and begin my professional career by God’s grace.”
For Oboh, learning from professionals help to improve her game. “I learn from observing professional players as my game continues to grow day-by-day. I also do this so that I may then view golf from a different perspective and see different solutions to problems on the golf course.”
On her life philosophy, she said: “Life is a journey, we grow day-by-day, and every opportunity or event is a stepping stone on the long path of life. Your past does not dictate your future it only shows you where you have been and not where you may go. Be patient, work hard and pray and God will see you through.”
Outside the golf course, Oboh is a shining example in her conduct that in 2011, she won the 2010 Outstanding Social Behaviour Award 2010 (OSBA AWARDS 2011) presented by the University of Salford and the award is given yearly to a young person who has made an outstanding contribution to their community.
She won this prestigious award for her dedication and commitment to training both in golf and academics and in the assistance she has been given to other young golfers. This thus made her stands out as a role model in the African community in diaspora. She had encouraged and assisted in the recruitment and training of both young and Nigeria lady golfers in London and Manchester, UK.
