Three members of the Tee Divas Tee Dudes Junior Golf Club experienced a milestone that many young golfers only dream about when they received sponsor exemptions into the inaugural Eastside Golf Championship, an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament held July 20–23, 2026, at historic Forest Lake Country Club in the Detroit metropolitan area.
Sarah Anderson, Damian Esparza, and Isley Anderson were among a select group of junior golfers invited to compete in the prestigious championship through sponsor exemptions provided by Eastside Golf, one of the fastest-growing and most influential lifestyle brands in the game today. The opportunity recognized not only their competitive accomplishments but also their dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment to personal growth through golf.
For the Tee Divas Tee Dudes family, the invitations represented a full-circle moment that began nearly two years earlier. “Eastside received four exemptions and three of our TDTD kids from South Los Angeles area were selected to participate,” said Jenny Bethune, a member of Tee Divas & Tee Dudes Golf club who has been instrumental in the growth of juniors’ success in the golf world. Elijah was the only local kid who received an exemption.
We are very greatful for the gilf opportunity for the kids.
In July 2024, the juniors had the opportunity to meet Olajuwon Ajanaku, co-founder of Eastside Golf, during a business gathering in Irvine, California. During that meeting, Ajanaku shared his personal journey—from aspiring professional golfer to entrepreneur—and explained the vision that inspired him and co-founder Earl Cooper to create Eastside Golf. His message resonated deeply with the young golfers, encouraging them to remain committed to their goals regardless of the obstacles they might face.
His advice was both simple and powerful:
“Work hard and good things will happen.”
Those words became reality as Sarah, Damian, and Isley earned the chance to compete against many of the nation’s top junior golfers on one of junior golf’s biggest stages.
The Tee Divas Tee Dudes organization expressed its appreciation to Ajanaku, Cooper, the American Junior Golf Association, and longtime Eastside Golf ambassador Tony Starks, whose continued support helped make the opportunity possible.
Building Champions On and Off the Course
Founded in Southern California by PGA Professional Anthony “Tony” Wells, the Tee Divas Tee Dudes Junior Golf Club has become one of the country’s leading youth golf development organizations.
The nonprofit program introduces boys and girls from diverse backgrounds to golf while emphasizing education, leadership, character development, and life skills. Beyond teaching fundamentals such as grip, stance, and swing mechanics, the organization encourages academic achievement, community service, college preparation, and confidence-building.
Many Tee Divas Tee Dudes participants have gone on to earn collegiate golf scholarships, compete in national championships, and pursue careers both inside and outside the golf industry.
The organization’s mission extends well beyond producing talented golfers. It seeks to develop young leaders prepared for success in every aspect of life.
Eastside Golf Redefining Golf Culture
The Eastside Golf Championship also highlights the growing influence of Eastside Golf within the industry.
Founded in 2019 by former Morehouse College golf teammates Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf has become much more than an apparel company. It has evolved into a cultural movement focused on expanding access to golf while challenging traditional perceptions about who belongs in the sport.
Its now-iconic logo depicting a Black golfer wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and a gold chain during his follow-through has become an internationally recognized symbol of inclusion, authenticity, and representation.
Rather than asking new golfers to conform to outdated stereotypes, Eastside Golf celebrates individuality while honoring golf’s traditions of integrity, sportsmanship, and excellence.
The company has forged partnerships with Jordan Brand, Mercedes-Benz, the NBA, the PGA of America, the PGA TOUR, and numerous professional athletes and entertainers. Through apparel, youth initiatives, educational programs, and tournaments, Eastside Golf continues introducing golf to audiences who historically may have felt excluded from the game.
Hosting an AJGA championship represents another significant step in the company’s mission to create opportunities for the next generation.
A Growing Pipeline of Diverse Talent
The American Junior Golf Association remains one of the premier pathways to collegiate and professional golf, with many of today’s PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, and Korn Ferry Tour stars having competed in AJGA events during their junior careers.
Sponsor exemptions often provide talented young golfers valuable exposure against elite national competition while giving tournament hosts the opportunity to recognize promising players who exemplify leadership, perseverance, and potential.
For Sarah Anderson, Damian Esparza, and Isley Anderson, competing in the Eastside Golf Championship represented more than another tournament. It reflected years of dedication, practice, family support, and mentorship through the Tee Divas Tee Dudes program.
Their participation also demonstrates the growing collaboration among organizations committed to increasing diversity in golf. Partnerships between youth development programs, innovative companies like Eastside Golf, and organizations such as the AJGA are helping create clearer pathways for talented young players from every background.
As golf continues to evolve, opportunities like these illustrate how mentorship, representation, and investment in youth can change lives.
For the Tee Divas Tee Dudes family, the Eastside Golf Championship was not simply another tournament—it was confirmation that hard work, perseverance, and meaningful relationships can open doors once thought impossible. The sponsor exemptions awarded to Sarah Anderson, Damian Esparza, and Isley Anderson stand as a testament to that vision and offer an inspiring glimpse of golf’s increasingly inclusive future.
