Perseverance, resilience, hallmarks of my achievements, says first military pro lady golfer

Posted : 04 November 2024

Sgt. Cynthia Maurice, Nigeria’s first military professional female golfer, says her perseverance and resilience were the hallmarks of her remarkable achievements in her golfing career.

Maurice, from the Nigerian Air Force, made history by becoming the country’s first professional female golfer in the military. This followed a week-long professional examination held from July 14 to July 20 at the HSD Golf Club in Bayelsa.

Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

The examinations, sanctioned by the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN), consisted of playing ability tests, as well as written and oral assessments.

From a 36-handicap beginner to a professional golfer, Cynthia’s transformation is a remarkable achievement.

Maurice made this known on the sidelines of a special kitty organized in her honor, along with two other military pro golfers, Nelson Olokpo and Nweke Ogbonna, 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, noting that it was a case of third time lucky for her.

She stressed that perseverance and resilience, along with God’s timing, is always best, adding that it was her destined time to succeed.

“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 quit on several occasions and came back, and my coach, Pro Emmanuel Odoh, always brought me back to the course each time I ran away, making me see the 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.

“Three times I picked up the pro form. I went from a 36 to a 0 handicap.

I failed in my first and second attempts as I didn’t have the competitive experience; I was a good player but couldn’t absorb pressure on the course.

“But I was determined and refused to quit against all odds. I tried again the third time and came out successfully as the only woman who made it among 37 other men.

“So, I think it was a destined time for me, and I want to say that perseverance and resilience, along with God’s timing, is always best,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar, and many others who 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 sincerely thank the Chief of Air Staff for making this happen.

“It was indeed a long journey. We all aspired to be pros, and I am glad that the three of us made it through.

“Thanks also go to the Chief of Administration, who released us for training, and my boss, retired Air Commodore Rahinatu Garba, who has been very supportive, along with others too numerous to mention,” she said.

Pro Nelson Olokpo, for his part, said he was honored and humbled by the club’s gesture to celebrate him and his colleagues in a significant way for their achievements.

Also, Pro Ogbonna Nweke thanked both the captain of GEJ and Shasha Golf Club in 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 Marshal Dalhat Ladan, the Chief of Air Intelligence, said the feat achieved by the three pros was worthy of commendation.

He added that he was elated and proud that the Nigerian Air Force now boasts a female pro golfer.

Air Vice Marshal B.D. Solomon, the Captain of GEJ Golf Club, said the pro golfers have made not just the Nigerian Air Force but also the club very proud, which is why they are being celebrated.

Air Commodore Magnus Abanum, the Director of Sports for the Nigerian Air Force, stated that the achievements of the pro golfers are a testament to the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to ensuring its personnel excel in all fields of endeavor, including sports.

Vitalis Njin, playing off a handicap of 23, returned a gross score of 83 and 60 net to emerge as the overall winner of the kitty in honor of the three new Nigerian Air Force golf professionals.

Perseverance, resilience, hallmarks of my achievements, says first military pro lady golfer

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics