Ava Romero
Eastside Golf is a lifestyle golf brand that was launched on June 1, 2019, by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper. The brand aims to raise awareness about golf among youth and non-golfers, promote diversity, and encourage authenticity in the sport. Eastside Golf has gained traction with its unique approach to golf apparel, blending classic styles with innovative designs, and has garnered partnerships with major brands such as Nike, Mercedes-Benz, and Shopify. With a presence at the PGA Show and a range of collaborations, Eastside Golf is making waves in the golfing world and challenging traditional country club conventions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper |
| Founded in | 2019 |
| Funding | $3.4 million |
| Partners | Nike, Mercedes-Benz, State Farm, Shopify, Bridgestone |
| Products | Golf apparel and accessories |
| Product range | Classic polos, techy pants, hoodies, Air Jordans, rugby shirts, hats, shoes |
| Customer reviews | Positive |
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What You'll Learn
Eastside Golf's mission and target audience
Eastside Golf is a lifestyle golf brand with a mission to raise awareness about golf among young people and non-golfers. The brand aims to "inspire the culture, promote diversity and continue to be authentic".
The company was launched in 2019 by co-founders Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, with the logo designed to resemble Ajanaku and the changing face of golf. Ajanaku, a former Morehouse College golfer, was searching for ways to support his dream of playing professionally when he came up with the idea for Eastside Golf. Unable to secure sponsorship from existing brands, he decided to create his own brand, starting with a t-shirt featuring the Eastside Golf logo.
The target audience for Eastside Golf includes both golfers and non-golfers, with a particular focus on youth. The brand aims to make golf more attractive to the younger generation, encouraging them to apply the morals and values of golf to their lives. Eastside Golf also wants people to enjoy the game while feeling confident in their apparel, which offers a balance between tradition and innovation.
Eastside Golf has experienced rapid growth and now boasts partnerships with major brands such as Nike, Mercedes-Benz, Shopify, and State Farm. The company's success is a testament to its unique approach to golf apparel and accessories, offering a fresh and modern take on traditional country club conventions. Eastside Golf fills a gap in the market, providing golfers with the opportunity to express themselves on and off the course.
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The brand's founders and their story
Eastside Golf was founded by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, who met as teammates on the golf team at Morehouse College. After graduation, Ajanaku turned pro, while Cooper became a PGA professional and golf teacher. Ajanaku struggled to make ends meet as a professional golfer and decided to pursue a career in corporate finance. However, he couldn't give up on his dream and reconnected with Cooper, who was the first Black pro at the Detroit Golf Club and the Wilmington Country Club.
Together, they created Eastside Golf, a fashion brand rooted in golf but with a lifestyle focus. Ajanaku initially planned to put the brand's logo on his golf bag, but Cooper suggested putting it on a T-shirt instead. The logo, a combination of two photos of Ajanaku as a child swinging a golf club and with a gold chain, represents authenticity and freedom. When Ajanaku wore the T-shirt in downtown Detroit, he was approached numerous times by people interested in the logo, validating their idea.
The brand gained traction when NBA point guard Chris Paul's brother, CJ, messaged Ajanaku requesting some items. After Chris Paul was spotted wearing Eastside Golf during the NBA's boycott of the coronavirus-shortened season, sales and demand for the brand surged by 400%. Since then, Eastside Golf has been worn by notable figures such as Barack Obama, DJ Khaled, and Patrick Mahomes. The brand has also collaborated with major companies, including Nike, Mercedes-Benz, and the NBA.
Ajanaku and Cooper's goal is to make golf more inclusive and accessible, particularly for people of colour. They aim to turn Atlanta into an incubator for future leaders in the golf industry and continue evolving the culture of the sport.
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Eastside Golf's product range
Eastside Golf is a lifestyle golf brand launched in June 2019 by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper. The brand aims to "inspire the culture, promote diversity and continue to be authentic". Eastside Golf has raised $3.4 million in funding and has partnerships with major brands, including Nike, Mercedes-Benz, and Shopify.
The product range of Eastside Golf includes apparel and accessories for both men and women. The brand offers a variety of golf clothing items, such as:
- Polos: The collection includes the Striped Signature Golf Polo, Shatter Print Signature Golf Polo, and Snap Placket Polo.
- T-shirts: The range includes the Limited Edition Paradise Tee, Miami "Be You" Tee, and Eastside Tee.
- Shorts: The brand offers the Shatter Print Crossover Short, Crossover Short, and Walk-On Short.
- Hoodies: The UV Ultra Light Hoodie is available to provide comfort and protection from the elements.
- Swimwear: The Swingman Swim Trunks are offered for a stylish poolside look.
In addition to clothing, Eastside Golf also offers a selection of headwear, including:
- Hats: The ESG Spellout 5-Panel Hat, ESG Pennant 5-Panel Hat, and Nylon Bucket Hat are available to shield you from the sun in style.
- Headcovers: The Paradise Driver Cover and 1961 Blade Putter Cover provide protection for your golf clubs.
The brand also offers shoes, although specific models are not mentioned, and accessories, such as the Nylon Rope Hat, Tote Bag, and Foam Trucker Hat. Eastside Golf aims to provide high-quality products, with customers praising the comfort, style, and durability of their purchases.
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Customer reviews
One customer review on the Eastside Golf website highlights the product's quality and design, with the customer stating that they bought every colour available in the shoes. Another customer praises the product as "excellent" and mentions that it holds its shape well.
Eastside Golf has also received positive reviews from industry publications like MyGolfSpy, which recognises the brand's contribution to the evolving landscape of golf apparel. MyGolfSpy acknowledges Eastside Golf's commitment to making golf more accessible and approachable to youth and first-time players. The brand's presence at the 2024 PGA Show, alongside established names like Ralph Lauren, is highlighted as a testament to its success and potential.
While most reviews are positive, there are a few minor drawbacks mentioned. For instance, Eastside Golf charges a processing fee for shipping labels on returns, which may be a disadvantage for some customers. Additionally, specific details about their customer service quality are not extensively documented.
Overall, Eastside Golf appears to be a legitimate and well-regarded brand within the golf industry, offering a range of apparel, accessories, and gear that combines tradition and innovation. The brand has received positive feedback from customers and industry observers, particularly for its unique approach to golf fashion and its efforts to promote diversity and engage younger players.
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The brand's partnerships and funding
Eastside Golf is a legitimate and fast-growing lifestyle golf brand that designs apparel aimed at golfers and non-golfers. The brand was founded in 2019 by former Morehouse College golf teammates Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper.
Brand Partnerships
In 2021, Eastside Golf partnered with Jordan Golf to create the Jordan 4 Golf shoe. This was the first business that Jordan Golf had partnered with. In 2023, the brand also announced a partnership with Citi through its Action for Racial Equity initiative, a $1 billion fund created to help close the racial wealth gap and increase economic mobility for minorities in the US. This partnership with Citi also led to the signing of PGA Tour golfer Michael Herrera, who wore Eastside Golf clothing during PGA Tour golf tournaments. The brand also operates its first US store in partnership with Paradies Lagardère, a leader in travel retail and the operator of PGA Tour Shops.
Funding
Eastside Golf has received funding from Citi through its Action for Racial Equity initiative, which provided a $1 billion fund to increase economic mobility for minorities in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
Eastside Golf is a lifestyle golf brand that was launched in 2019 by co-founders Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper. The brand aims to raise awareness about golf among youth and non-golfers, inspire the culture, promote diversity, and be authentic.
Eastside Golf offers a wide range of apparel and accessories, including polo shirts, hoodies, hats, and golf shoes. They also have collaborations with other brands, such as Jordan Brand for golf shoes.
Yes, Eastside Golf is a legitimate business. The brand has raised $3.4 million in funding and has partnerships with major companies such as Nike, Mercedes-Benz, State Farm, and Shopify. They also have their own booth at the PGA Show and have been featured in publications like Forbes and MyGolfSpy.
Eastside Golf is committed to making golf more accessible and appealing to youth and people who are new to the game. They want to change the perception of golf and make it more welcoming to a diverse range of players.
Eastside Golf was founded by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper. Ajanaku is a former golfer from Morehouse College who designed the brand's logo, which represents the changing face of golf. Cooper is a PGA Professional and one of the best young teachers in America, according to Golf Digest.
