WRK client, Eastside Golf is a brand synonymous with breaking barriers and bringing fresh perspectives to the world of golf. Last weekend they held their last stop of the 2024 Community Golf Day tour with a pop-up activation at my home course, the iconic Charlie Yates Golf Course in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was a perfect blend of community engagement and celebration. It attracted golfers and those who had never played the game while displaying its newest line for men and women in the pro shop.
Having played golf since the age of seven, I have witnessed the sport evolve in many ways, yet no one has shown up and shown out quite like Eastside Golf for people who look like me. Eastside Golf has not only brought fresh swag to wear on and off the course, they have created a space where everyone feels welcome. Throughout my journey to perfect my game, Eastside Golf is the first brand to make me feel seen —not just on the course but in the business of golf. Over the weekend they made the game accessible and enjoyable for 600+ people who enjoyed a free round of golf, a ball fitting from Bridgestone Golf, and free food from local vendors like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.
Community Golf Day is a testament to Eastside Golf’s commitment to its mission to inspire the culture, promote diversity, and raise awareness about golf among youth and non-golfers. During the stop in Atlanta, they showed love to local community groups doing good such as Art In The Paint, SERVANTEE, the Charles R Drew Charter School Golf Team, the Morehouse College Golf Team, and more. I even had the pleasure of meeting their first female NIL golfer, Bailey Davis and I couldn’t be more proud that she is a fellow University of Tennessee, Knoxville Lady Vol!
With the motto, “Be Authentic”, Eastside Golf is redefining what it means to be a golfer. Their impact on me and countless others, including the next generation of golfers who have longed for a sense of belonging in the sport should be a blueprint for how we continue to grow the game.
“To be back in, you know, East Atlanta, where the name of the company comes from. In truth, the logo comes from that aspiration. I mean, this is next level and a dream come true.” – Olajuwon Ajanaku
Community Golf Day is only a dream for Earl Cooper, PGA and Olajuwon Ajanaku without the commitment of partners Paradies Lagardère , Bridgestone Americas , Bridgestone Golf, and Mercedes-Benz USA, dedication from the team Chantel Mack, Taylor Middleton, MBA, MSBM , Brian Rodriguez , Armand Sawyer , Michael Capel Jr, Shakyra Turner, Edgar Evans , and unwavering support from Annette Parker and Kayla Burrows with Creative Artists Agency , Edgar Evans from Morehouse College , Cameron Lilly, PGA , Michael Wilson , and Sabriya Goldsmith from Charlie Yates Golf Course, and of course Joel Gould from Sideline Station who came through in a clutch with tents and coolers on a hot August day. I also want to #salute the TOUR Championship , East Lake Foundation , Adam Rehberg , Chad C. Parker, PGA , Dan Murphy, Monique Harrison , Erica J. Bolden for coming out and making their presence felt.