Though Paul Odoh (jnr), the son of Late Proffessional golfer Paul
Odoh secured sponsorship, a whistle blower questioned the age category
he played.
He is believed to be either 11 or 12 years old but he played
in the aged 10 category.
Spokesperson for the Kids Golf
International, Ireti Ibironke, explained that golf was a game of
integrity and KGI as an association take matters of any falsification
seriously. All efforts to verify Paul's age have proven futile.
The
young man is good player no doubt and if he were to be indeed 10years,
he won both the singles stroke event and the match play. Unfortunately,
the medals were not presented to him due to the allegation which remains
to be proven otherwise.
Iretti added, Nigeria has passed the age of no
accurate birth records, baptismal certificates or school records to
verify age.
The
odds are not looking well for the great team of players from Minna
cantonement golf club that attended the recently concluded 1st KGI All
African Junior Golf Championships.
The trio Paul Odoh (jnr), John Odoh
and Peter Idoko who all qualified for the U.S Kids European
Championships have failed to secure sponsorships to make the trip in
June.
Time has moved on and we as parents should
take more responsibilities towards our children's records. As an
organisation, we are growing young ambassadors of Nigeria for the
future, so our reputation with the U.S Kids Golf Foundation, the UK and
US Embassies, the PGA, USGA and other golfing bodies is at stake if we
take issues like this lightly.
It will be in the interest of everyone
especially young Paul, who no doubt is destined to be great golfer start
on a good note and avoid controversies like this surrounding him.
However, that responsibility lies in the shoulders of those who are
guiding and guarding him until he is old enough to make decisions
himself. We are unable to contact the President of the foundation to
comment on the matter.
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