August 9, 2025 – There’s nothing like coming home. For Eastside Golf, Atlanta isn’t just where our story started – it’s where our roots still run deep. So the fact that the city turned all the way up for our latest Community Day at Charlie Yates Golf Course was a humbling homecoming that served as food for the soul.
From sunrise to sunset, the energy and atmosphere were undeniable – the people proved, once again, that this event is as much about connection and culture as it is about golf.
This year’s gathering sold out in just one hour of registration opening, prompting our team to shift just to avoid overcapacity. Hours were extended from the original 12–4 p.m. to a full-day celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the crowd kept flowing in from morning until well after the last putt dropped.
Putting People First
True to form, Community Day was designed around people, not product – with the Charles R. Drew Charter School serving as beneficiary of the day’s efforts. Opening in 2000 as Atlanta’s first charter school, the institution was fueled by the East Lake Foundation’s mission to transform the neighborhood through cradle-to-college education, mixed-income housing and community wellness initiatives.
The school’s golf program is one of its brightest success stories, as it has become a pipeline for talented junior golfers in partnership with The First Tee of Metro Atlanta and the East Lake Foundation. The boys’ golf team made history in 2019 by winning its first state championship – becoming the first Atlanta public school team and the first all-African American team to do so. They made another deep run this past season, and although they fell short of reaching the podium, it’s a sign of more success to come.
Star Power on the Course
The day’s headline event was a Celebrity Three-Hole Match featuring Ajanaku, retired NFL running back Mike Davis and NFL sack specialist Preston Smith (pictured below) of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The real stars, however, were the members of the Drew Charter School golf team, who joined the pros and celebs inside the ropes. The group was led by senior Sam West, who will hit the ceremonial opening tee shot during this week’s TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP at East Lake. He was joined by junior Devon Cothran, one of the top ranked players in the state who carded two birdies while teamed with Ajanaku; and Jacob Smith, the top ranked 8th grade golfer in the state.
The match drew a big gallery, plenty of cheers, and a reminder of why developing young golfers is central to Eastside’s mission.
Built for Everyone
Beyond the exhibition, the driving range was a hub of activity. Music, line dancing and plenty of high-fives created an atmosphere where even first-timers felt welcome.
Edgar Evans, Head Coach of the Morehouse College Golf Team; Andre Lacey, Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Teams at Paine College; and PGA/GCSAA Professional Rashad “Super Pro” Wilson offered lessons for golfers of all ages and abilities – including kids as young as toddlers swinging their first clubs (pictured below). At the practice green, a local instructor affectionately known as "Chino" gave short game lessons to anyone seeking his sage advice.
“This year, we focused on the new golfer more than we ever have,” said Osei Hill, Eastside’s Art Director and the unofficial “Head of Vibes” for the day. “Some people never left the range, and they still had the time of their lives.”
Faces, Stories and Community
Guests came from near and far – including a New York-based Army veteran who arrived with an empty suitcase, hoping to load it up with Eastside gear. When he learned product wouldn’t be sold onsite, we gifted him a limited-edition Jordan Eastside Golf Red Clay hoodie. Moved by the gesture, the he shared his hope to retire from the Army in 18 months and volunteer his time to help Eastside.
Then there was Teejay Alston, who traveled four hours from Charlotte. After attending our Greensboro, North Carolina event last month, he vowed to never miss another Community Day and kept his promise out of the gate.
Event partner Georgia Power brought more than a booth. Led by Brand Manager Brian Green and Southern Company's VP of Corporate Communications Freddie Carmichael, they handed out more than 300 gift bags while delivering valuable resources and incentives to help attendees lower energy costs and apply best practices that uplift their neighborhoods.
Paradies Lagardère, a longtime and committed partner of Eastside Golf, is always first in line to support Community Day events, and Atlanta was no different. Their continual efforts help turn our visions into reality.
As the day progressed, the crowd evolved. Young professionals gathered to network and tap into the career opportunities and connections that golf can spark, while Drew Charter School coaches – led by renowned PGA Professional Jeff Dunovant – mingled with guests to rally support for their growing golf program.
None of it would have been possible without our community partners. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (pictured below), who have donated over $8,000 worth of food to Eastside Golf Community Days over the past two years, showed up with a 10-person crew that matched our energy and served every guest with heart. Mercedes-Benz USA sent their always-ready team of volunteers who embody what it means to serve the community. Longtime supporter Reeshard Scott, who left last year’s event in tears, returned with his son and volunteered for seven straight hours. And Cassandra Lakin – wife of Robert “High-Five” Lakin, a Community Day staple – ran our registration table for six hours, greeting every guest with a smile.
“I’m at each of our Community Days, and it never ceases to amaze me just how much they mean to the individuals who attend,” says Chantel Mack, Eastside’s Director of Social Impact & Analytics. “I’m a passionate person, y’all. Even though I try not to get emotional, it brings me to tears every time.”
More Than an Event
By the end of the day, it was clear that Atlanta had embraced the 2025 Community Day in its own unique way – blending corporate support, grassroots golf growth and the vibrant personality of the city itself.
“It’s about the people, not the product,” said Ajanaku. “When we show up for a community, we want to make sure everyone – from kids picking up a club for the first time to lifelong golfers – feels like they belong here.”
Atlanta showed up. The people made it unforgettable. And the mission continues.