On June 8th, just days ahead of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, Eastside Golf brought the energy to Pittsburgh with our latest Community Day event at Bob O’Connor Golf Course. Even with steady rain in the forecast, more than 100 people showed up – umbrellas in hand and spirits high – proving once again that when the Eastside community comes together, the vibe is untouchable.

The day was headlined by a first-of-its-kind moment in Community Day history: a celebrity three-hole match featuring Pittsburgh legend and NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis (pictured below), Eastside Golf co-founder Earl Cooper and standout junior golfer Ben Jankovic, a local product of the First Tee of Pittsburgh’s caddie program. With a $500 donation on the line for each player’s foundation, the match drew a crowd of over 40 onlookers and the skies parted just long enough for the competition to go off in style.

“There was no way I was missing this,” said Cooper, whose flight delay out of New York nearly derailed his appearance. “When there’s a challenge, we make a way. That’s what this event is about. That’s what Eastside Golf is about.” True to that mindset, Cooper jumped in the car and made the five-hour drive to Pittsburgh – showing the same commitment to community that drives the Eastside mission.

Community partners like First Tee of Pittsburgh’s Ready for Work caddie program, led by PGA Professional and Dandy Duffers member Martin King-Smith, played a major role in the day’s success. Caddies from the program were selected to loop during the celebrity match, including Ben Jankovic (pictured below), who competed and held his own with a few clutch swings that kept the celebs on their toes.

“This isn’t just about golf,” said King-Smith. “It’s about building skills, creating opportunities, and giving young people a reason to believe in their future.”

In total, over $1,500 in Eastside Golf product was donated to the First Tee program, alongside caddie payments and one-on-one mentorship from the Eastside team.

Corporate partner DICK’S Sporting Goods – headquartered right in Pittsburgh – showed up in full support, with five team members on-site activating at the event. Senior Vice President David Progar represented in full Eastside swag, embodying the brand’s bold style and commitment to giving back. DICK’S Sporting Goods is a proud retailer of Eastside Golf.

Bridgestone Golf also hosted a ball-fitting station and kept the energy high, just like they did at the Atlanta Community Day in 2024. Their next stop with Eastside? Greensboro Community Day later in 2025.

Other highlights included:

• PGA Teaching Professional Kendall Amrye (pictured below) leading a short game clinic for kids and families.

• Longtime Eastside community member Keisha Parker making the trip after missing out in Delaware, bringing her family along to experience the day in person.
  

• A vibrant crowd of 115 attendees braving the elements to show love and support.

“The rain didn’t stop anything,” said Bettis. “You could feel the energy out here. It’s amazing to see what Eastside is doing, not just in golf, but in the community.”

In the end, Team Eastside took home the win in the celebrity match, but the real victory was in the connections made, the inspiration shared and the memories created.

Because at Eastside Golf, we don’t just play the game – we change it.