On Monday, July 28, the sun was scorching – but the spirit was hotter. Despite 90% humidity and a heat index topping 100°, nearly 350 people packed Gillespie Golf Course in Greensboro, NC, for Eastside Golf’s latest Community Day: a celebration of culture, community and connection through the game of golf.

As always, Community Day was about putting people first, with efforts benefiting a local organization doing meaningful, on-the-ground work. In Greensboro, that honor went to The First Tee of Central North Carolina, in partnership with the historic Gillespie Golf Course – a beloved muni that’s served as a community hub since 1937, proudly adorned with vibrant murals (pictured below) that tell the story of the neighborhood it anchors.

From free rounds and range time to music, food and the energy of locals rallying around a shared purpose, the day reflected what Eastside Golf does best: bring people together.

“Everything we do for Community Day is sourced locally,” said Chantel Mack, Eastside Golf’s Sr. Manager of Social Impact & Analytics. “From the food to the music to the volunteers, our goal is to make sure these events are authentically rooted in the neighborhoods that welcome us.”

And Greensboro rolled out the welcome mat in a big way.

Powered by the People

Bob Brooks, General Manager of Gillespie, provided us full access to the course for a fraction of the cost, which in turned allowed us to open the course to the public for free – a partnership that honored the accessibility and openness golf can offer when it’s led with the right mindset. Meanwhile, Ryan Wilson, Director of The First Tee of Central NC, was seen power washing murals the morning of the event to make sure every last detail was dialed in.

“I knew this event had the power to make a lasting impression,” said Wilson. “We wanted the course and community to shine – and it did.”

Community leader and Greensboro attorney Omar Jones was another driving force, coordinating vendors and adding a burst of North Carolina charisma to the event. That included DJ B-Man, local favorite Maho’s Bistro Food Truck (pictured below) and a talented videography team from Skyline Pros who captured it all.

Then there were the 10 First Tee interns, each coming from an HBCU program, onsite providing swing tips, assisting with logistics and – in a highlight moment – serving as caddies for the day’s Celebrity 3-Hole Match.

Star Power Off the Tee

The three-hole exhibition brought star power and smiles as Eastside Golf Founder Olajuwon Ajanaku teed it up alongside a dynamic cast of athletes:

• Jeremy Kelley – Former Indianapolis Colt wide receiver, now Director of Legends Affairs for the Carolina Panthers

• Jonathan Stewart – Panthers great and longtime fan favorite running back

• Ricky Proehl – A Greensboro hometown hero, Super Bowl champ and respected football coach

• Eric Ebron – Former Detroit Lions and Colts tight end

• Gerald Henderson – Former Charlotte Hornet and 13-year NBA veteran (pictured below)

With six First Tee interns handling caddie duties, the match ultimately went to the team of Ajanaku, Ebron and Henderson – but the real win was the atmosphere.

“There was an aura of togetherness you could feel in the air,” said Kelley. “Community Days create something special. Golf is the backdrop, but what really stands out is how easy and welcoming the experience becomes for everyone involved.”

People Make it Possible

Beyond the match and the music, this Community Day underscored just how far Eastside’s reach extends.

Darrell Hughes made the trip from West Virginia just to be a part of it, and longtime regulars like Robert “High Five” Lankin kept the energy up – as he always does – by doling out signature high-fives from start to finish at Community Days stretching from Augusta to Pittsburgh.

Then there’s the group that Mack has dubbed the “Too Cute Crew” – a trio of impeccably styled women who drove more than hour to share their style and grace with the Eastside community.

Community Leaders Seeing Value in Eastside

Greensboro City officials also showed strong support, both by attending and helping to plan, execute and promote the event. Those in attendance included:

•  City Councilwoman Dianne Bellamy-Small

•  Nasha McCray, Director of Parks & Rec and Assistant City Manager

•  Gina Fisher, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Greensboro

“It’s not just about hosting an event,” said Ajanaku (pictured below). “It’s about investing in communities and showing up in a real way. This is personal for us – and it’s bigger than golf.”

The day also made a lasting impression on Travel + Leisure, the event’s presenting sponsor. Scott Cavanaugh, VP of Strategic Partnerships, was moved by what he experienced.

 “This far exceeded our expectations,” said Cavanaugh. “You could see the impact being made in real-time – on kids, on families, on the fabric of this community. It was an honor for us to be part of it.”

And for Gillespie’s Bob Brooks, the day marked something even deeper.

“We’ve always been proud of what Gillespie stands for,” said Brooks. “To see it elevated like this, with a brand that understands community at its core – that’s something we’ll carry with us for a long time.”

The heat couldn’t stop it. Greensboro showed out. And the people made it unforgettable.

That’s what Eastside Golf Community Day is all about.