Jan 4

Morehouse Graduates Start Golf Apparel Company Worn By Barack Obama, Dwyane Wade

It’s one thing that two Morehouse college graduates won a national championship together. It’s another to win in business together as well.

But that’s exactly what Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper are doing, according to Fast Company. The dynamic duo launched Eastside Golf, a golf lifestyle apparel, in 2019 to create more visibility in the sport among youth, as well as those who don’t play golf.

How’d this all start? Well, Ajanku was utilizing his degree in accounting by working in commercial financing. Originally, he hoped to become a PGA pro, similar to Cooper, but he was unable to secure a sponsorship. But he never allowed his aspirations to waver, which is what led to the creation of Eastside Golf, enabling him to become his own sponsor, according to Fast Company.

(L-R) Eastside Golf founders Earl Cooper and Olajuwon Ajanaku

Through research, the founders recognized the apparel brand would do well after folks liked the company’s swingman logo, which portrays Ajanaku in a sweatshirt and jeans.

“Going out on the golf course, one of the things that a lot of people don’t get to be is themselves,” Ajanaku told ˆ. “The logo literally says I don’t care. I’m out here because I love the game of golf and because I like dressing fly. When people are able to be themselves, it gives them the power to do so many other things.”

So, Cooper advised Ajanaku to wear the logo on a T-shirt instead of just a golf bag, allowing them to create buzz around their company.

According to Fast Company, Ajanaku used his money to buy and sell even more apparel. And at a PGA trade show, they gained traction thanks to some encouragement.

In its first year of business, the company reported that it made $100,000. Right now, they are on track to make $4 million in 2023 with a scale of two to 16 employees.

The brand has already been sported by folks such as Barack Obama, DJ Khaled and Dwyane Wade. They also have a partnerships with the Jordan Brand, NBA, Apple and Mercedes-Benz USA.

For more information for folks, go to eastsidegolf.com.