Oboh eyes 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games ticket
Nigerian teenage golf, Georgia Oboh has expressed her interest in becoming the first Nigerian to feature in the golf event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan despite not qualifying for the first tournament of the year, the Pure Silk Bahamas Classic at the Ladies Professional Golfers Association of America (LPGA).
Oboh, who is the 2015 U.S. Kids Golf Teen World Champion, said her participation in tournaments across the globe is part of her buildup to the Tokyo Olympic Games target.
“Of course, the idea of competing at the Olympic Games had come to mind when golf was introduced in the Olympics last year in Brazil. I am working hard on my game so that I can be ready when the time comes by God’s grace. With the next Olympic Games only three years away, I have my work cut out for me, but by the grace of God I will be in attendance at Tokyo 2020,” she said.
Oboh added that apart from making it to Tokyo, she hopes to be the best in the sport.
“To be the best at my ‘craft’ and grow the game of golf in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. South Korea’s Inbee Pak, whom I admire so much did that for her country and I hope to do the same not only for Nigeria but Africa, by the Grace of God,” she added, saying she hopes to turn professional soon.
“I hope to turn professional within the next 18 months and God’s willing before the year is up. 2017 will most likely be my last year as an amateur as I am playing elite amateur golf. I am planning to take my golf game to a world class level. I would love to start my apprenticeship in the professional game but it requires a lot of support so I am on the look-out for potential sponsors as the game costs a great deal in travel, equipment among others,” she concluded.
The 15-year-old made history recently as the youngest, first black girl or woman of African origin to be ever invited to participate or compete either as an amateur or professional in the Ladies Professional Golfers Association of America (LPGA) tournament after competing at the qualifiers for the 2017 LPGA first tournament of the Year - the Pure Silk Bahamas earlier this year.