Nigeria’s first military professional lady golfer, Sergeant Cynthia Maurice, has stated that perseverance and resilience were the hallmarks of her remarkable achievements in her golfing career. This statement followed a week-long professional examination held from July 14 to July 20 at HSD Golf Club in Bayelsa.
The examinations, sanctioned by the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN), consisted of playing ability tests, and written, and oral assessments.
Maurice disclosed this in Abuja while addressing journalists on the sidelines of a special event organized in her honour, along with two other military pro golfers, Nelson Olokpo and Nweke Ogbonna, at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, NAF base, in Abuja.
From a 36-handicap beginner to a professional golfer, Cynthia’s transformation is a remarkable achievement. She explained that her journey from a 36-handicap beginner to a professional was long, treacherous, but ultimately inspiring, adding that it was a case of third-time luck for her.
Cynthia said, “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, the assistant head pro of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, was always on my back, bringing me back to the course each time I ran away and making 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 regularly as you move from course to course. It wasn’t easy, as one had to practice on all the courses.
“Three times I had picked up the pro-form. I went from a 36 to a 0 handicap. At first, I didn’t have competitive experience; I was a good player but couldn’t absorb pressure on the course and kept wondering why I wasn’t doing well.
“I didn’t make it the first time, which was the maiden edition for ladies and had to give it another go a second time. This time around, it wasn’t just with ladies, but 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 among about 37 other men. So, I think it was a destined time for me, and I want to say that perseverance and resilience, as well as God’s timing, is always the best.”
She expressed her appreciation to the Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar, and 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 sincerely 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 go to the Chief of Administration (COA), who released us for training, and my boss, Air Commodore Rahinatu Garba (retd), who has been very supportive, as well as many others too numerous to mention,” she added.
On his part, Pro Nelson Olokpo expressed his honour and humility at the club’s gesture to celebrate him and his colleagues for their achievements.
Also speaking, Pro Ogbonna Nweke thanked both the captain of GEJ and Shasha Golf Club in Lagos, noting they 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, commended the feat achieved by the three pros, stating he was elated and proud that the Nigerian Air Force now boasts a female pro golfer.
He said, “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.”
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The Captain of GEJ Golf Club, Air Vice Marshal B.D. Solomon, stated that the pro golfers had made not just the Nigerian Air Force but also the club very proud, which is why they are being celebrated.
He said, “To become a professional entails a lot indeed: hard work, 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.”
Air Commodore Magnus Abanum, the Director of Sports, Nigerian Air Force, noted that the achievements of the pro golfers are a testament to the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to ensuring that its personnel excel in all fields of endeavour, including sports.
