Eastside Golf, a popular brand in the United States known for its concept of making golf enjoyable and accessible for everyone, has made its debut in Japan. To introduce the spirit of “FUN GOLF” and the street style of golf, which is still relatively new in Japan, a launch party was held on December 7th at SHIBUYA LADs, one of the brand’s dealers.
During the launch party, Olajuwon Ajanaku, the CEO and creative director of Eastside Golf, and Earl Cooper, a top-ranked instructor at the PGA of America, shared their excitement during an interview with houyhnhnm.jp. Kenya Okuno, a professional skater and the designer behind his own golf brand called Adress, also joined the discussion. The interview touched upon various topics, including the differences between golf in Japan and America, ways to enjoy the sport, and the unique style offered by their brands.
Olajuwon, the founder of Eastside Golf, grew up playing golf in Atlanta. Inspired by his upbringing, he established the brand and won the PGA National Minority Championship in 2010. While running his brand, Olajuwon aspires to become a full-time golfer and enjoys the vibrant clubhouse and nightlife scene. Earl Cooper, a co-founder of Eastside Golf, is also a PGA Professional and has made a name for himself as one of golf’s young leaders.
The interview shed light on Olajuwon’s journey as a professional golfer and how he came to start his own brand. After working as an office worker for nine years, Olajuwon realized that his true passion was golf and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly. The idea for the brand originated when he made the decision to become a professional golfer again, leading to the creation of the Eastside Golf logo.
The concept of Eastside Golf revolves around blending classic golf wear with a streetwear aesthetic. By incorporating elements of street fashion, they aim to make golf wear more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. The brand’s focus is to create clothing that can be worn by golfers of all ages, from 15 to 70.
Kenya Okuno, the professional skater and designer behind Adress, shared similarities between his brand’s concept and Eastside Golf’s approach. Both brands emphasize the importance of style both on and off the golf course.
The roles within Eastside Golf were discussed during the interview. Olajuwon serves as the brand’s CEO and founder, responsible for setting the creative direction, apparel design, and marketing plan. Earl, on the other hand, plays a supporting role, working towards the brand’s vision and paving the way for its success.
The conversation shifted toward the perception and enjoyment of golf in Japan and the United States. While golf in Japan has a formal culture with strict dress codes and a focus on tradition, the interviewees expressed admiration for the communication and camaraderie that comes with spending a whole day on the course. In the United States, rounds are played at a faster pace, often serving as a business tool, with more freedom in terms of fashion choices.
Eastside Golf values a long-term vision and has collaborated with various brands to increase exposure and broaden their reach. Notable collaborations include partnerships with Jordan Brand and appearances in popular sports video games such as “NBA 2K,” MLB, and PGA games. While they take pride in these collaborations, the founders emphasize the importance of preserving the unique culture they have created as Eastside Golf.
Over the past year, Eastside Golf has expanded its presence in Japan, hosting two pop-up shops, including one in Tokyo. The brand continues to grow and aims to bring its unique street style to golf enthusiasts worldwide.
