Eastside Golf, a pioneering golf lifestyle brand known for its impact on changing the game’s cultural perception, recently completed a seed funding round. This round was led by EP Golf Ventures, a joint investment initiative between the PGA of America and Elysian Park Ventures, associated with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ownership group. This investment is set to boost Eastside Golf’s expansion as they unveil new product lines and further their mission to reshape golf’s cultural narrative. This shift aims to attract young and upcoming athletes to the sport.
Founded in 2019 by Olajuwon Ajanaku and PGA Golf Professional Earl Cooper, both alumni of Morehouse College’s golf team, Eastside Golf has been influential in redefining golf’s public image through its unique apparel line. This line has gained popularity among golf professionals, celebrities, fashion influencers, and athletes.
Jay Adya, Managing Partner at Elysian Park Ventures and EP Golf Ventures, praised Earl and Olajuwon’s achievements. He acknowledged their unique ability to capture the cultural pulse and create a brand with significant growth potential.
PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh also commended Eastside Golf for its role in attracting a new demographic to golf and contributing to the sport’s future evolution. He emphasized the founders’ creative and authentic approach to engaging with the cultural dialogue around golf.
Eastside Golf has seen a remarkable 600% growth over the past two years. The brand plans to introduce new product lines, including women’s apparel and wholesale, and to double its presence in major markets through events like the Eastside Golf Invitational during New York Fashion Week. Additionally, the brand will showcase its Spring Forward collection at the PGA Show in Orlando.
Eastside Golf is also committed to community engagement, with plans to host five Community Golf Days across various cities to introduce new players to the sport at no cost.
Earl Cooper expressed that Eastside Golf’s objective is to challenge conventional perceptions about golf and encourage authenticity in the game. Olajuwon Ajanaku emphasized the brand’s mission to transform global perceptions of golf, symbolized by their distinctive logo.
The brand’s influence is evident in its popularity among high-profile figures like Chris Paul, Jayson Tatum, Victor Cruz, DJ Khaled, and Barack Obama. Its success is bolstered by collaborations with Jordan Brand and strategic partnerships with major organizations like the NBA, MLB, and Mercedes Benz. Eastside Golf’s contribution to social and cultural change in golf was also featured in Hulu’s docuseries “Grails: When Sneakers Change the Game.” The brand continues its commitment to HBCU golf, having donated significantly to the Morehouse College golf team.
