The Swingman logo wasn’t just created – it was born from a journey. It embodies a story of resilience, authenticity and the creative vision to redefine what it means to belong in golf.
Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper’s story began at Morehouse College, where they led their golf team to a national championship in 2010. After graduation, their paths diverged but remained anchored in the game they loved.
Earl became a Class-A PGA pro and one of America’s top young golf instructors, while Olajuwon pursued a professional golf career. However, without sponsorship, Olajuwon faced significant challenges. Transitioning to finance, he leveraged his business acumen to eventually chart a different path – one that merged his passion for golf with his entrepreneurial drive.
“If sponsors keep telling me no, I’ll create my own brand and sponsor myself.”
That grit and path gave rise to Eastside Golf.
The logo itself? It’s deeply personal. It started as a photo of Olajuwon as a child, swinging a golf club, combined with another image of him as an adult wearing a gold chain. Together, these two moments symbolized the freedom to play the game authentically – on your terms. The Swingman, dressed in jeans, a sweatshirt and a chain, became a visual declaration: golf doesn’t have to look the way it always has.
Initially created for Olajuwon’s personal golf bag, the logo became a conversation starter. Encouraged by Earl, Olajuwon printed it on T-shirts and wore them across downtown Detroit. The reaction was overwhelming – people stopped him in the street, drawn to the bold and relatable imagery. That moment of validation set the wheels in motion.
From its humble beginnings, Eastside Golf quickly evolved into a brand that blends respect for golf's traditions with a commitment to modern culture. Swingman became more than just a logo; it became a symbol of authenticity in a sport often tied to rigid norms.
It represents the golfer who steps onto a course and feels out of place, the one breaking stereotypes, and the one determined to play their way.
Through iconic collaborations with Jordan Brand, partnerships with household names like the NBA and Mercedes-Benz, and the logo spotted on luminaries like Chris Paul, Barack Obama and Patrick Mahomes, The Swingman is now recognized worldwide. But its roots remain grounded in its message: golf belongs to everyone, and every player deserves to see themselves represented.
The Swingman is a reminder. A call to action. A symbol for the golfer who stays true to the game while also staying true to themselves. It’s more than a logo – it’s a movement.