From the very beginning, Eastside Golf has been far more than a lifestyle golf brand with progressive designs. Premium clothing that shifts the paradigm is one piece of the puzzle. From a wider perspective, the mission is to raise awareness about golf amongst youth and non-golfers, and there’s no better example of that commitment than Community Golf Days.
On June 1, at Rackham Golf Course in Detroit, Eastside hosted its fourth event of this nature. It represented inclusivity and accessibility within the sport of golf while also fostering a strong sense of community spirit.
Eastside has deep connections to the city of Detroit. CEO and Co-Founder Earl Cooper served as an assistant golf professional at Detroit Golf Club from 2012 to 2014, shortly after graduating from Morehouse. Since then, both Cooper and fellow founder Olajuwon Ajanaku have returned to Detroit on multiple occasions to work with youth and golf professionals during the PGA TOUR’s Rocket Mortgage Classic – also held at Detroit Golf Club.
About Community Days
Community Golf Days, pioneered by Eastside Golf, aim to break down barriers to entry and make golf more accessible to individuals from all walks of life. The events include 9 holes of golf, elevated music and cuisines from local food trucks, all completely free of charge. In Detroit, more than 300 guests registered to attend. Furthermore, each event makes a tangible impact on local organizations that are fighting the good fight.
“We are excited to engage with our community in Detroit, our way,” says Ajanaku. “This event removes the financial barriers to golf, ensuring everything is open to the public and people can experience the benefits of the game."
Detroit Community Golf Day Partners included:
Hollywood Golf Institute
Founded in 1983, Hollywood Golf Institute is one of Detroit's oldest golf non-profit organizations, committed to excellence in the sport. They have trained over 4,000 athletes nationwide. Its founder, Selina Johnson, known as the “First Lady” of golf in Detroit, is the first African American woman to receive the Card Walker Award for outstanding contributions to junior golf. Johnson is also inducted into the International African American Sports Hall of Fame and the African American Golfers’ Hall of Fame in West Palm Beach.
Support from Eastside Golf included a donation to general programming, gifting the Change 1961 Jordan 4 to each instructor, as well as exposure and visibility through the brand’s website and social channels.
Detroit Public School Golf Programs
Renaissance, Cody, and Cass Tech High Schools have growing and successful golf teams comprising male and female athletes. Despite challenges such as underfunding, these schools continue to thrive, and Eastside Golf wholeheartedly recognizes that. Furthermore, the city of Detroit is committed to their growth and the establishment of more teams. It’s an easy one for Eastside Golf to get behind.
The immediate support includes the gifting of Change 1961 Jordan 4s to every coach, securing sponsors to cover equipment costs and highlighting team accomplishments across Eastside social channels
Real Time Medical Supply
In order for a community to be strong, it has to be healthy. That’s why Eastside Golf partnered with Real Time Medical Supply to support and provide resources for children living with diabetes, introducing golf to underserved communities and those in need. This includes helping eight first-timers attend a week-long camp focused on diabetes management, with sponsored golf clinics for camp scholarship recipients.
Corporate Community Partners
Corporate Community Partners include Bridgestone Tire, Paradies Lagardere and The John Shippen Invitational. In addition to financial support, these entities provided boots on the ground to make the event possible. Eastside partners have a tendency to roll up their sleeves and do the work that impacts people’s lives.
Supporting vendors included The Grill Father and D’Vine Cookies.
“We couldn’t do these events and have the impact we desire without the support of our partners,” says Cooper. “It says a lot about people when they don’t just write a check, they actually get in the trenches with you. We’re very appreciative to have those types of folks on our side.”