By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Nov. 2, 2024 (NAN) Sergeant Cynthia Maurice, Nigeria’s first military professional lady golfer, says her perseverance and resilience were the hallmarks of her remarkable achievement in her golfing career.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Cynthia Maurice of the Nigerian Airforce made history by becoming the country’s first professional female golfer in the military.
This was after a week-long professional examination, which was held from July 14 to July 20 and took place at HSD Golf Club Bayelsa.
The examinations sanctioned by the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN) consisted of playing ability tests, written and oral.
From a 36-handicap beginner to a professional golfer, Cynthia’s transformation is a remarkable achievement.
She spoke to NAN on the sidelines of a Special kitty organised in her honour as well as two other military pro golfers; Nelson Olokpo and Nweke Ogbonna over the weekend at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, NAF base, Abuja.
She explained that her transformation from a 36-handicap beginner to a professional was a long, treacherous, but inspiring journey, adding that it was a case of a third time lucky for her.
“I turned pro in the space of four years, and it wasn’t an easy journey. I remember when I first started, I didn’t think it was something I would go on to achieve.
“I quitted on several occasions and came back, and my coach, Pro Emmanuel Odoh, the Assistant head pro of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club was always on my neck as he always brought me back to the course, each time I ran away and made me see reasons why I had to continue.
“Also, it wasn’t easy financially as golf is a very expensive sport, especially when you are trying to go professional. You spend all your time training and pay your caddies as well as green fees on a regular basis as you move from course to course. It wasn’t easy as one had to practice all the courses.
“Three times I had picked up the pro form. I went from a 36 to a 0 handicapper. At first, I didn’t have the competitive experience, I was a good player but couldn’t absorb pressure on the course and kept wondering why I wasn’t doing well.
“So, I didn’t make it the first time which was the maiden edition for ladies, and had to give it a go again a second time, and this time around, it wasn’t just with ladies but the men were also involved and I still wasn’t good enough; that was enough to make me quit.
“But I was determined and refused to quit against all odds as I tried again the third time and came out successfully as the only woman who made it, amongst about 37 other men.
“So, I think it was a destined time for me, and I want to say that preserverance and resilience as well as God’s time is always the best,” she said.
She appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar, and so many others who she noted were instrumental to her success through their assistance, support, and encouragement.
“This is a grand day for me and my colleagues. We would love to really thank the Chief of Air Staff for making this happen. It was indeed a long journey through it all. We all aspired to be pros, and I am glad that the three of us made it through.
“All thanks also goes to the Chief of Administration (COA), who released us for training and my boss, Air Commodore Rahinatu Garba (rtd), who has been very supportive, as well as so many others to numerous to menrion,” she said.
Pro Nelson Olokpo, on his part, said he was honoured and humbled by the gesture of the club to celebrate he and his colleagues in a big way for their achievements.
Also, Pro Ogbonna Nweke thanked both the captain of GEJ and Shasha Golf Club, Lagos, who he noted were instrumental to his success in his professional career.
In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, represented by Air Vice Marshall Dalhat Ladan, the Chief of Air Intelligence, said the feat by the three pros was worthy of commendation, adding that he was elated and proud that the Nigerian Air Force now boasts of a female pro golfer.
“What Pro Cynthia has done is remarkable and unprecedented. She has indeed shown that it is possible and has opened the way for other ladies now to aspire to become professionals as well,” he said.
Air Vice Marshall, B.D. Solomon, the Captain of GEJ Golf Club, said the pro golfers had made not just the Nigerian Air Force but also the club very proud, hence the reason why they are being celebrated.
“To become a professional entails alot indeed. Hardwork, dedication and commitment.
“So, we thought it wise as the number one golf club in the Nigerian Air Force to honour these professional golfers for making us proud,” he said.
Air Commodore Magnus Abanum, the Director of Sports, Nigerian Air Force, said the achievements of the pro golfers was a testament to the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force in ensuring that its personnel excel in all fields of endeavours, including sports.
Prince Obinna, the House ‘n’ Bar Secretary of GEJ Golf club said he was elated about Cynthia’s success, adding that she had realised her dreams through hardwork and resilience.
“She started from scratch a few years back, and today, she is already a professional.
“I think she is one of the few ladies I have seen in recent times who has passion. You can see how she has put in a lot of effort, and today, she is a pro golfer.
“It’s been a long career pursuit realised through hard work and resilience, and we are so excited for her,” he said.
NAN also reports that Vitalis Njin, playing off handicap 23 returned a gross score of 83 and 60 net to emerge as the overall winner of the Kitty in honour of the three new Nigeria Airforce golf professionals, Cynthia Maurice, Nelson Olokpo and Ogbonna Nweke.(NAN)
