Perseverance, Resilience Fuelled Golf Success – Sgt. Cynthia Maurice
Nigeria’s first military professional lady golfer, Sgt. Cynthia Maurice, said her perseverance and resilience were the hallmarks of the remarkable achievements in her golfing career.
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 14th to July 20th at the 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.
Maurice spoke on the sidelines of a Special kitty organised in her honour as well as two other military pro golfers; Nelson Olokpo and Nweke Ogbonna on Sunday, at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, NAF base in Abuja.
Maurice 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 a third time lucky for her. She stressed that perseverance and resilience as well as God’s time was always the 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,” Maurice said.
“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 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. Three times I had picked up the pro form. I went from a 36 to a 0 handicapper. I failed at my first and second attempt 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 as I tried again the third time and came out successfully as the only woman who made it, amongst 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 time is always the best,” she added.
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,” she said. “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, who released us for training and my boss, retired Air Commodore Rahinatu Garba, who has been very supportive and others too numerous to mention.”
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 Marshal Dalhat Ladan, the Chief of Air Intelligence, said the feat by the three pros was worthy of commendation. He added that he was elated and proud that the Nigerian Air Force now boasts of a female pro golfer.
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
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.
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.
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